EPC's

Bucks Property Services are registered and accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) and can provide you with a legally compliant EPC directly, or via your estate agents. But what is an EPC, why do you need one and what does the assessment involve?

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document which provides an energy efficiency rating (displayed on an A-G scale) in relation to a property’s running costs. This rating will take into account the potential energy performance of the property itself and its services – such as heating, lighting/power.

In addition to this, the EPC document will also show a breakdown of a property’s energy performance, its environmental impact, recommendations for improvements and estimated energy use alongside potential savings.

Not all properties are used in the same way. The energy efficiency rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (typically 2 adults and 2 children) which may be very different from the way in which occupiers actually use things like heating and lighting within their property.

When do I need an EPC?

An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is important that a property's EPC is made available to a potential buyer as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.

What to expect from a Domestic Energy Assessment.

For existing flats, bungalows and houses in need of an EPC, you will need to acquire the services of an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) like Bucks Property Services. We will visit your property to collect property data/information such as room dimensions, insulation levels, heating systems and types of glazing.

We will need access to all rooms, including the loft as we will need to take measurements and photos to support the assessment. Homeowners will be pleased to know that the domestic energy assessment is non-invasive, with no drilling or hammering into walls. Depending on the size or complexity of the property a typical assessment can take between 30mins and 2hours to complete.