What does an EPC survey involve?

An EPC survey is an important part of the homeselling process...but there's a chance you might not need one! Here's everything you need to know about EPC surveys - what they are, and how they affect your home sale.

EPC surveys - what are they?

They might sound complicated, but they're not. EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. It's a document written by a domestic energy assessor that details your property's energy efficiency, and whether it meets the minimum energy efficiency standards set out by the government.

An EPC survey refers to the process by which an accredited assessor visits your home and calculates the property's energy efficiency rating. This appears on your EPC certificate, which homebuyers can use to work out how energy efficient your home is.

Are you on the EPC register?

It's super easy to find out if your home has been surveyed by an assessor - the EPC register is a matter of public record, and you can search for your property's address with our free checker. If it's there, congratulations! If it's not, you might want to think about having a survey done.

Why do I need one?

Since August 1st 2007, EPCs have been a requirement for homeowners looking to sell. The implementation of this was part of the European Union's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, a law designed to improve the efficiency of buildings across the EU.

In recent years, EPCs have come under the spotlight of the rental market. The government announced several new pieces of legislation in response to an external review of the UK's domestic energy use. Starting from 2023 , it will be unlawful to rent a commercial property with an EPC rating of F or G. From 2025 , all rental properties must have an EPC rating of at least C.

Need more information? Check out our Energy Performance Certificate EPC guide here.

How much does an EPC survey cost?

Not too much - you can get a certificate for £80, maybe even less. In the realms of home ownership, this isn't too expensive.

What's useful is that how much you pay for an EPC does not affect the quality of your certificate. The result will nearly always be the same, no matter who you get it from - as long as they're an accredited assessor.

What does an EPC assessment involve?

A survey involves a visit to your property by an accredited assessor who evaluates its energy efficiency rating.

What the assessor examines during the EPC survey...

1. Insulation: The assessor will inspect the insulation in your walls, roof, and floor to determine its type, thickness, and condition. This includes assessing cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, and solid wall insulation.
2. Heating systems: The assessor will examine your heating system, including the boiler or central heating system, radiators, and controls. They'll assess its efficiency, age, and overall condition.
3. Hot water systems: The assessor will evaluate your hot water system, such as the water tank, immersion heater, or other heating methods used for providing hot water.
4. Windows and doors: The assessor will assess the type of windows and doors in your property, including their frames, glazing, and seals. They'll consider factors like double glazing, draught-proofing, and any evidence of air leakage.
5. Ventilation: The assessor will check the ventilation systems in your property, including extractor fans, trickle vents, or mechanical ventilation systems. They will ensure proper ventilation to maintain good indoor air quality and minimise condensation issues.
6. Lighting: The assessor will examine the lighting fixtures in your property and assess their energy efficiency. They'll consider the type of bulbs used, such as LED or energy-saving bulbs, and the overall lighting design.
7. Renewable energy sources: If applicable, the assessor will identify any renewable energy systems present, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or heat pumps. They'll evaluate their efficiency and contribution to your property's energy performance.
8. Construction and materials: The assessor will consider the construction type, materials used, and overall thermal characteristics of your property. This includes evaluating factors like the thermal conductivity of walls, roof, and floors.
9. Occupancy patterns: The assessor may ask questions about the number of occupants, their lifestyle, and habits. This information helps gauge the energy usage and requirements of the property.
10. Other factors: The assessor may take note of additional energy-related features, such as smart home technology, energy-efficient appliances, or any energy-saving measures implemented in the property.

What to prepare before the EPC Assessor arrives

Preparing for the arrival of the EPC assessor? Let's walk you through the essential steps to ensure a smooth and efficient assessment process:

1. Maintenance and repairs: Prioritise any necessary maintenance or repairs that may affect your property's energy performance. Addressing these issues before the assessor arrives will not only improve your property's energy efficiency but also help provide a more favourable assessment.
2. Paperwork: Gather any relevant document related to your property's energy-related features and systems. This may include details about insulation, boiler installations, heating systems, or any upgrades you have made. Having these documents readily available can contribute to an accurate assessment.
3. Access to utilities: Make sure the assessor can easily reach and inspect all utility connections, including gas, electricity, and water metres. Clear any obstructions blocking access to these areas, allowing the assessor to assess their condition accurately.
4. Get ready for questions: The assessor may have questions regarding your property's energy usage, upgrades, or any specific features that could impact its energy efficiency. Be ready to address any queries they may have!

What happens after the EPC survey?

After collecting the data they need, your assessor will generate an EPC. They'll update the register with the details of your rating and then send you a copy!

So what's in the certificate?

Inside is a detailed description of your home's energy efficiency and its compliance with the minimum standards set out by the government. The EPC includes an energy efficiency rating and recommendations for improving it. For instance, they may suggest adding features like energy saving light bulbs or cavity wall insulation(s).

It's up to you whether you take their advice or ignore it - unless you're looking to rent out your property. Landlords must ensure their lettings have an EPC rating of at least a C by 2025.

Why should I improve my rating?

There's a lot to be said for improving your EPC rating. The more energy efficient your property, the less energy you waste. There's a reason why higher ratings are linked to lower energy bills.

Summary: EPCs are useful. Check if your home has one!

EPC surveys are a necessity for homesellers - but they're important for homeowners too. Use your certificate to work out how to improve your property's energy consumption and save on expensive bills.

Check if your home has one here.