Energy Performance Certificates

An EPC is valid for 10 years. If you make major changes to your home (such as installing insulation or a new heating system), you may want to update it sooner to reflect improvements.

The assessor will measure your property to create a floor plan and collect information about its energy features. They will need access to areas such as the loft, gas meter, electricity meter, and heating system. They are also required to take photographs as evidence, including external elevations, meters, radiators, light bulbs, and other energy-related features.

Potentially Yes – if improvements such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, or underfloor insulation have been installed but cannot be seen, the assessor may ask for proof. This could be a certificate, guarantee, invoice, or photographs taken during installation. Accreditation schemes require this evidence before the measure can be included in the EPC.

The assessor collects data on things like insulation, heating, glazing, and lighting. This information is entered into government-approved software, which calculates the property’s energy rating and recommendations for improvement.

Yes. Some buildings are exempt, such as:

• Listed buildings (where energy improvements would alter their character).

• Temporary buildings (planned use less than two years).

• Places of worship.

• Standalone buildings smaller than 50m².

Currently, landlords in England and Wales must achieve a minimum EPC rating of E before renting out a property (unless a valid exemption applies). Government proposals have suggested raising this minimum to C by 2028 for new tenancies and by 2030 for all existing tenancies, though these plans are still under review and may change.