Energy performance certificates, also known as epc certificates or even just as “epcs,” are used to determine how energy efficient a property is and can help you lower your energy costs while saving money on energy bills. As climate change becomes a major concern, furthermore, epc certificates are an important way of reducing your environmental footprint.
Looking for an epc certificate near me? Continue reading to understand the process, and how a qualified assessor will help you get the task done with a home inspection.
Why Do I Need An Epc Certificate?
Epc certificates, or energy performance certificates, are important for protecting the environment because they help individuals be mindful of their energy consumption in their daily lives. They are also a legal requirement for buying, selling and renting domestic properties in the UK.
An epc certificate measures the energy performance of your property from A-G, where “A” is the most efficient and “G” is the least efficient. The property must have a rating of “E” or higher to pass an inspection and therefore be considered valid without repairs or home improvements.
Be careful! It is possible that the “passing” grade could be raised from an “E” to a “D” by 2025. It’s a good idea to begin to prepare ahead of time for this legal change if you can!
An epc certificate, regardless of the grade the property receives, provides tailored recommendations as to how to improve a home’s energy usage levels. Even if your home is relatively efficient, the certificate’s recommendations can help you renovate your home in ways that will save energy, and therefore money, in the long term.
Not Everyone Needs An Epc Certificate! There Are Exemptions:
Some properties may not need an epc certificate. Exemptions are rare, but include some of the following:
- Residences with short-term, temporary or seasonal usage
- Residences set to be demolished within two years
- Residences with long-term leases (seven years or longer)
- Student residences, or other shared residence spaces
If you believe your property may be exempt from an obligatory epc, it’s important to confirm this first with local authorities! If you fail to obtain an epc when obligated, major fines up to £4,000 could be in order.
Getting An EPC Certificate Near Me:
To get an EPC, you will need a qualified assessor to inspect your property to determine its energy efficiency levels. During the visit, the assessor will conduct the following procedures.
- A visual inspection to identify stand out issues
- An inspection of the property’s insulation systems and its windows or doors
- An examination of the property’s electric systems, including lights, lightbulbs, appliances and heating and cooling systems
After visiting your home, the inspector will grade the property from an A to a G based on their findings. If the property falls below an “E,” you must follow the assessor’s recommendations to bring the property grade up before it is bought, rented or sold to someone else.
Epc Certificate Near Me Costs
EPC certificate costs vary, but often depend on the size and general condition of the property inspected, and the time taken to carry out the necessary evaluation.
In general, you can expect to pay £36-150 for the certificate. In addition to the cost of the certificate, however, you should also be prepared to pay for any repairs recommended by the assessor to improve the property’s epc grade up to at least an “E.’” Such repairs are a legal requirement unless you can prove they will cost more than £3,500, in which case you may apply for an exemption.
While the certificate does cost money upfront, think of the process as an investment: if you follow the certificate’s recommendations to make your home more energy efficient, you may be able to save money on bills in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions – EPC Certificate Near Me
I May Have An Old EPC That’s Still Valid. Can I Recover It?
You can find already existing energy performance certificates, for private residences and businesses alike, on the UK government website. You can search for a specific epc certificate with certificate number, postcode, street name or town, though note that you and others may opt out of having the epc certificate in the system.
How long is an epc certificate valid for?
An epc certificate is valid for ten years.
Does my landlord have to show me an epc certificate for the dwelling I rent if I ask?
A landlord must provide proof of a valid epc certificate if asked. They must also provide this certificate to local authorities if requested to do so. This must be done within a reasonable time frame: if you ask a landlord to present a valid epc, they have 28 days to show it to you. Ideally, however, they should present it within a week.
If you are looking to rent, sell, or buy a property, remember that the relevant agent (a landlord, real estate agent, etc.) must show you the building’s EPC certificate. Be sure to ask!
How can I find an assessor to help me get an epc certificate near me?
You can find a qualified assessor to help you get an epc on our website. To confirm someone is legally able to conduct the assessment, you can check the UK government website to ensure their name is listed. Remember, the assessor must be registered with the UK government in some capacity to be entrusted for the task.
Get An Epc Certificate Near Me
Getting an epc certificate may sound like a hassle at first, but the right professional can make it an easy task that helps you save money!
If you’re looking for an electrician who can help you obtain an epc certificate near you, look no further than our website! We have connections to home improvement experts in your area who can help you conduct any job at a great price. You can use it to leave and read reviews and obtain a quote, which is great to help you find a progressional you can trust on your budget.
