Energy Performance Certificates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally valid 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 (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water etc).

It will also show a breakdown of a property's energy performance, its environmental impact, recommendations for improvements and an estimated energy use alongside potential savings.

An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is recommended that an EPC should be made available to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or for rent.

For existing dwellings in need of an EPC, you will need to acquire the services of an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to visit your property for the assessment. They will collect data/information such as room dimensions, insulation levels, heating systems and amount of glazing.

The assessor will need access to all rooms, including the loft as measurements and photos are required 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 30 mins and 2 hours to complete.

Yes - if you wish to rent your property, as a landlord you must ensure the EPC has a minimum rating of 'E' (unless an appropriate exemption is registered). Where the landlord has failed to comply this could lead to potential fines.

There is currently no minimum EPC rating for the sale of a property, however one will be required for the transaction to complete.

Direct Energy Certs provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for homes in Hertfordshire, Essex and North London. 

Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Turnford, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Goffs Oak, Cuffley, Enfield, Ware, Hertford, Stanstead Abbotts, Puckeridge, Standon, Buntingford, Bishops Stortford, Sawbridgeworth, Harlow and surrounding areas.