Energy Performance Certificates tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes - which should have the lowest fuel bills - are in band A.

The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes are those with less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The average property in the UK is in band D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency which in turn to saves you money and help the environment.

For a domestic property, that is to be let, the EPC is valid for 10 years and must be in place before the property goes to market. If any changes to the thermal elements are carried out within that time a new report or an updated epc will be required.

For a property being sold an epc is valid for 3 years - You can market your home immediately once you have an EPC and Property Information Questionnair (PIQ) in palce. These form part of the HIP. If the property is taken off the market for more than 28 days you will require a new EPC which will supersede the old one.

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificates.

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be.

DEA Inspection

What happens once an EPC is commissioned?

• A DEA inspection will be carried out by one of our Elmhurst approved assessors.
  
  
• The inspection will consist of the inspector collating the internal measurement of the property, floor plans and notes of the individual characteristics of the property.
  
  
• Access to meters, boiler and any heating controls is necessary.
  Please advise where they are.
  
  
• If the loft space is accessible and safe the inspector will go into the loft to check the insulation.
  
  
• Windows or doors to the external areas of the building might be opened to assess the thickness of the walls.
  
  
• Photographs of some appliances and parts of the building will be taken.
  
  
• The average time for an inspection will be approximately one hour depending the size of the property.
  
  
• Please note that no furnishing will need to be removed.
  
  
• If there are pets in the property they will need to be restrained.
  
  
• If an appointment is missed or access is denied and a return visit is required a fee will be levied.
  
  
• We cannot carry out inspections in properties where there are children under the age of 16 in sole charge.

The environmental impact rating is a measure of a home's impact on the environment in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The higher the rating the less the impact it has on the environment.

What does the EPC consist of:

• Internal or external measurements of the property, floor plans and site notes of the individual characteristics of the property.
  
  
• Evidence of type of metres both electric and gas, boiler and type of heating controls.
  
  
• Analysis of loft and wall insulation.
  
  
• Photographic evidence of type of window, walls and appliances.
  
  
• Windows and doors to the external areas of the building might be opened to assess the thickness of the walls.
  
  
• Assessment of the lighting fixtures and type of bulbs in use.
  
  
• The average time of inspection is one hour.