Have you ever wondered if you could actually decrease your energy bills? Well, yes, you can, by improving your home’s energy efficiency. Let’s explain it this way: right now, you are using the same appliances for almost years, with no focus on insulation, thinking it is just an extra cost. But if there’s a way to actually find out what exactly is wasting your energy, you can fix it and stop the wastage. As a result, your heating and cooling system has to work less, use lesser energy to regulate temperature, and eventually that will reflect in reduced bills. But how do you know if your house is efficient, or what improvements are needed? This is where the EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) comes in.
This blog provides a detailed guide on what EPC is, how to apply for a residential EPC in the UK, and which documents you should prepare for an EPC.
Understanding Energy Performance Certificates
First, let’s understand what EPC is. EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is the UK government’s initiative towards energy saving. By making these certificates mandatory for all residential and commercial properties before renting or selling, or even putting them on the market. To make it easier for people to comply, the government has made these certificates valid for up to 10 years. So, that means you just need to have 1 valid certificate with an energy proficiency rating within an acceptable range, and until you decide to make any major upgrade that can impact efficiency, you don’t need a new one for the next 10 years.
The Process of Getting EPC
Gather Documents: Keep all required documents ready, including property documents, appliance certificates, upgrade certificates, etc.
- Find EPC Assessors: Look for accredited and certified EPC assessors who are approved to assess properties and issue EPCs in the UK.
2. Book a Slot: Select a suitable time and date for the EPC assessment and make sure every heating and cooling system is accessible for inspection.
3. Receive Your EPC: After a detailed assessment, you will get your EPC showing energy rating and improvement suggestions.
4. Do Required Upgrades: If your EPC rating isn’t between the eligible range, then you can do the suggested upgrades and reapply for an EPC.
Documents You Need to Prepare for Residential EPC in the UK
- Certificates of Insulations
It is better to keep proof of loft, cavity wall, and floor insulation ready, as it can be in the form of an installation certificate, invoice or receipts. These documents can be very helpful in proving insulation thickness and type, which directly impacts EPC rating.
2. Records of Heating and Cooling Systems
Keep boiler installation certificate, service history, maintenance record, as well as documents for manufacturer’s specifications and model numbers for your property’s heating and cooling systems.
3. Renewable Energy Documents
If your property has a renewable energy system installed, keep the installation certificates ready as proof. These details can really reflect well on your residential EPC in the UK.
4. Energy Bills
Recent energy bills can give the assessor a better idea of how your home actually uses electricity and gas. They help highlight usage patterns and confirm the type of energy supply connected to your property.
5. Property Floor Plans
If you have floor plans of your property, it can be very helpful for the assessor in calculating room sizes, floor area and energy efficiency. Having proper documents can reduce the chances of measurement errors, but if you don’t have any floor plan or size details, assessors can measure the property during a visit.
6. Extension Records
If you have extended or renovated your property, prepare documents that can help reflect the improvements made, such as building control approval, completion certificate and insulation upgrades (if any).
Keep the above-mentioned records ready for EPC assessment, because these can help assessors calculate a more accurate rating, save time during assessment and prevent under-rating, because when paperwork is missing, calculations are mostly done based on assumptions.
Looking for a reliable and qualified residential EPC in the UK?
Choose EPC Yorkshire
Our EPC assessors are fully qualified and experienced, and understand the EPC requirements and ratings. They take the time to assess your property carefully, explain what they’re doing, and answer any questions you may have along the way. At EPC Yorkshire, we focus on accuracy, compliance, and clear guidance, so you receive an EPC with an accurate rating and practical recommendations that genuinely help improve your home’s energy efficiency.