An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides an assessment of a building’s energy efficiency. It gives the property an energy rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is designed to help people understand how much energy a home uses, how costly it will be to run, and how its energy efficiency can be improved. The certificate includes details like the estimated energy usage, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and potential savings if recommended improvements are made.
EPCs are required by law in many countries, including the UK, whenever a building is sold, rented out, or newly built. The certificate must be provided to potential buyers or tenants before a transaction takes place. This is to ensure people have a clear understanding of the property’s running costs and environmental impact before they commit. For example, a tenant comparing two similar flats may choose the one with the better EPC rating if it means lower energy bills.
The EPC also offers tailored recommendations for improving energy performance such as adding loft insulation, upgrading to double glazing, or installing a more efficient boiler. While not mandatory, following these suggestions can improve the property’s rating, reduce energy bills, and make it more attractive to future buyers or tenants. In some cases, a poor EPC rating may even affect the ability to rent out a property legally, especially with minimum efficiency standards being introduced in some countries.
Each certificate is valid for 10 years, but it’s worth updating it after major energy upgrades. EPCs play an important role not just in individual decision-making but also in national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and encourage more sustainable housing. As energy efficiency becomes a bigger priority, EPC ratings are becoming more influential in the housing market, impacting property value, rental potential, and access to green incentives and government grants.
An Energy Performance Certificate is legally required for all domestic properties when they are sold, rented, or newly built. The certificate must be made available to potential buyers or tenants before a transaction is completed. EPCs are valid for 10 years and include recommendations for improving energy performance. Certain buildings, such as listed properties or those used for less than four months a year, may be exempt. Failure to provide a valid EPC can result in fines and may prevent landlords from serving Section 21 eviction notices.
At KCS Electrics, our domestic energy assessors are fully skilled and qualified. With extensive experience across a wide range of property types, they deliver highly accurate assessments of your home’s energy rating. We provide EPC services specifically tailored for landlords, helping them obtain Energy Performance Certificates at competitive prices. As accredited members of Elmhurst Energy, our assessors’ work is independently audited to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.