Energy Performance Certificates

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 should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions

The average property in the UK is in bands D - E for both ratings. The certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the homes energy efficiency , to save you money and help the environment

Most sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full Energy Performance Certificate should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed

Energy Inspection

An Energy Inspection of your home,  will involve both an internal and external inspection of the property.

This is a short guide of what to expect before, during and after the inspection.

1. Date, time and access arrangements made once customer has instigated an EPC. This is often done on the telephone or by speaking directly to the assessor in person.
2. Basic questions will be asked to ascertain size and type of property etc. to reduce amount of time spent on site during the inspection, and to confirm registered status etc.
3. On the day of the inspection, if you are not present, then we will be happy to collect and return the keys from a person of your choosing such as an estate agent or a neighbour nearby. Please make available any paperwork to do with the house such as your boiler manual, extension dates, FENSA Certificates and NHER certificate. If you can't be present, please make sure the person letting us in has our contact details and the above documents.
4. During the property inspection, the following procedures will be carried out:-
   • internal or external measurements of the property to be taken, floor plans drawn and site notes taken. Clear access is required to all areas of the property to assess the thermal performance and efficiency of the property including loft, cellar, back garden, meter cupboards, heating systems and their controls such as boilers, timers, hot water cylinders, thermostats, etc.
   • photograph some aspects of the property for the report.
   • it might be necessary to open windows and doors to determine wall thickness. No floorboards will be taken up and no walls will be drilled into. The inspection is purely visual.
5. The inspection is likely to take about an hour  and possibly longer depending on the complexities involved.
6. The EPC will contain recommended changes and it is up to the owner to act on these suggestions. They are not compulsory.
7. We will endeavour to produce and make the report available no more than three working days from inspection.
8. Finally, if you have any general questions about the assessment, please do not hesitate to ask. Specific questions will have to wait until we produce the report.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of the inspection, please let us know and we will endeavour to resolve the situation. If necessary, we have a formal complaints process which may lead to an independent decision by our accrediting body.