If you are planning to sell, rent, or have built a new house, you will need to obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This certificate, provided by a certified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA), determines the energy efficiency rating of your property and must be ordered before the property is brought to the market. So, what exactly does an EPC survey involve?
Finding a DEA
To start, you’ll need to find an accredited DEA to conduct the EPC survey. In Glasgow, for instance, you can search for EPC assessors by visiting the Trustmark Website.
Duration of the EPC Survey
For residential properties, the EPC survey typically takes around 30 minutes.
Preparing for the EPC Survey
Before the EPC assessor arrives, it’s important to prepare your home. The assessor will need access to every room and the loft, if possible. A bit of cleaning might be necessary, but you won’t need to lift any floorboards or carpets, as the assessment is designed to be brief and non-intrusive.
If you have any planned improvements for your home, ensure they are completed before booking the EPC survey. The assessor evaluates the efficiency of the house as it is at the time of the survey and cannot include future improvements.
The assessor can only include energy-efficiency measures that are visible or can be proven. If you have had underfloor insulation or cavity insulation installed, keep the documentation handy for the assessor to review. This prevents assumptions based on the age of your house.
What the Assessor Will Examine
The EPC assessor will require access to all rooms in the property, including loft hatches, rooms in the roof, extensions, conservatories, and electric and gas meters. They will draw a sketch plan of the overall floor area and then proceed to take precise measurements and capture relevant data for each room:
- Type of property and age
- Construction materials
- Home insulation
- Wall thicknesses
- Heating systems and controls
- Hot water cylinder details and insulation
- Secondary heating systems (if applicable)
- Floor construction
- Window glazing type
- Lighting, particularly energy-saving light bulbs
After the EPC Survey
Once the EPC survey is completed, the assessor will calculate and produce your EPC certificate. The certificate will include an energy efficiency rating and recommendations for improving your property’s energy performance.
The EPC certificate is then published to the EPC Register, and a copy is usually sent to you via email. You can always view a copy of your EPC certificate on the EPC Register.
By understanding what an EPC survey involves and preparing accordingly, you can ensure a smooth process and obtain an accurate assessment of your property’s energy efficiency.
