Essex EPC Service

When selling or renting their property, homeowners must provide an EPC. The certificate should be presented and made available to the estate agent who is marketing the property. Many of our clients also request an updated EPC on their property when they have changed the fabric of the building or installed new energy-efficient heating systems, among other things. If you believe your property would benefit from an updated EPC and would like a free impartial discussion about the level of benefit you would gain from an updated EPC, we are always happy to discuss.

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate and is an assessment of a property’s energy efficiency. A fully qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor will visit and inspect the property being assessed. The assessment considers three major aspects of the property.

• The property’s ability to generate or use incoming energy.
• How efficient is the property at producing the energy it consumes?
• How effective is the property at retaining the energy it consumes?

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards were recently introduced regulations in an attempt to protect UK tenants from low energy efficient properties. According to the new rules, a rented property must have an EPC with an energy rating of E. This has prompted many landlords to address energy-saving measures at their properties as well as update their EPC  assessments in recent years.

Please keep in mind that our assessors are trained to inspect properties alone, without the presence or assistance of the property’s owner. So, if you are unable to attend the property, don’t worry; we can still deliver your EPC report as long as we have access to the premises. If you are able to attend the inspection, please ensure that the following access requirements are met:

• The assessor has access to all rooms and bedrooms in the house.
• If physically possible, the assessor can gain access to the property’s Loft.
• The assessor can gain access to the back and side of the property to conduct a thorough visual external inspection of the structure.

In the UK, buildings are assigned an energy rating known as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The EPC provides information about a building’s energy efficiency and carbon emissions, helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions about energy usage and potential improvements.

Here are some key points to understand about energy ratings and EPCs in the UK:

1. What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?
– An EPC is a document that rates the energy efficiency of a building on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
– It provides information about the building’s energy usage, estimated energy costs, and recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
– EPCs are required when a building is constructed, sold, or rented out.

2. How is the energy rating determined?
– The energy rating is calculated based on the building’s characteristics, such as insulation, heating systems, and lighting.
– An accredited energy assessor conducts an assessment of the building, collecting data and entering it into software that generates the energy rating.

3. What information does the EPC contain?
– The EPC includes an energy efficiency rating, which is displayed on a color-coded scale from A to G.
– It provides an estimated annual energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for the building.
– The certificate also lists potential energy-saving recommendations, such as improving insulation or upgrading heating systems.

4. Where can you find an EPC?
– EPCs are stored in a national register, and a copy should be provided by the seller or landlord when a building is sold or rented.
– The EPC register (https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/) allows you to search for and view the EPC of a specific property.

5. Why is the energy rating important?
– The energy rating helps prospective buyers or tenants understand the energy performance of a building before making a decision.
– It allows individuals and businesses to compare different properties based on their energy efficiency and estimated energy costs.
– The energy rating highlights areas where energy improvements can be made, leading to reduced energy consumption, lower energy bills, and a smaller carbon footprint.

6. Minimum energy efficiency standards:
– In the UK, there are minimum energy efficiency standards for privately rented properties. From April 2018, properties with an EPC rating below E cannot be newly let or have a lease renewal unless they are exempt.

Understanding your building’s energy rating through the EPC can help you identify areas for energy improvement and make informed decisions about energy usage, costs, and environmental impact.

Improving your energy efficiency rating can help you reduce your energy consumption, lower your carbon footprint, and potentially save money on energy bills. Here are some steps you can take to improve your energy efficiency rating:

1. Insulate your home: Proper insulation helps to retain heat in winter and keep your home cool in summer. Insulate your loft, walls, and floors to prevent heat loss. Additionally, consider double or triple glazing for windows to reduce heat transfer.

2. Upgrade your heating system: Replace old and inefficient boilers with energy-efficient models. Consider installing a smart thermostat that allows you to control and optimize your heating schedule.

3. Install energy-efficient lighting: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LED or CFL bulbs. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan.

4. Reduce phantom power consumption: Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use. Many devices continue to draw power even when they are turned off.

5. Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings, such as A+++ rated washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers. These appliances are designed to use less energy while performing the same tasks.

6. Optimise water usage: Install water-efficient showerheads and taps to reduce water consumption. Fix any leaks promptly, as they can waste both water and energy.

7. Generate renewable energy: Consider installing solar panels or wind turbines if feasible. Generating your own renewable energy can significantly reduce your reliance on grid power.

8. Conduct an energy audit: Hire a professional energy assessor or use online tools to conduct an energy audit of your home. This can help identify specific areas where energy efficiency can be improved.

9. Utilise government schemes and grants: Check if you’re eligible for government schemes or grants aimed at improving energy efficiency. These programs often provide financial incentives for implementing energy-saving measures.

10. Educate yourself and adopt energy-conscious habits: Simple practices like turning off lights when not needed, using appliances sparingly, and maintaining proper temperature settings can contribute to improved energy efficiency.

Remember, energy efficiency improvements can vary based on the specific characteristics of your home. Consulting with a professional energy assessor can provide tailored advice for your situation.

We cover Chelmsford areas CM1, CM2, CM3 Ingatestone CM4, Ongar CM5, Witham CM8, Maldon CM9, Billericay CM11, CM12, Brentwood CM13, CM14, CM15, Epping CM16, Southend on Sea SS1, Westcliff on Sea SS2, Shoeburyness SS3, Rochford SS4, Hockley SS5, Rayleigh SS6, Benfleet SS7, Canvey Island SS8, Leigh on Sea SS9, Wickford SS11, SS12, Basildon SS13, SS14, SS15,

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is required for most types of buildings in the UK that are being constructed, sold, or let.

In the case of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), an EPC is typically required if the property is being let or sold. The EPC will give information on the energy efficiency of the property and provide recommendations on how to improve its energy performance.

However, there are some exemptions for HMOs, such as those that are listed buildings, certain temporary buildings, and buildings that are due to be demolished. Additionally, some smaller HMOs may not require an EPC if they fall below certain size and occupancy thresholds.