Energy Performance Certificates 

An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is a rating of the current energy efficiency of a property.  It takes into consideration the age and size of the building, how well insulated the property is, the type of heating and the heating controls that are present, the type of glazing the property has amongst other things. The property is given an EPC rating between G (low efficiency) and A (high efficiency), with the average UK property achieving a D rating.  An EPC Assessment can only be produced by a qualified, accredited and insured Domestic Energy Assessor.  We are fully accredited and insured under the Quidos and Elmhurst accreditation schemes

An EPC Rating is valid for 10 years, and can be used for multiple property sales or tenancies during that time.  If you are not sure whether you have a valid EPC Rating, or you have lost your EPC Certificate, you can check the online EPC database at www.epcregister.com

You don’t need an Energy Performance Certificate if you can demonstrate that the building is ANY of these:​

• Listed or officially protected and the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards would ‘unacceptably alter it’

• Holiday accommodation that’s rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy

• An individual non self-contained unit e.g. a bedsit or room within a HMO

• Intended to be used less than 4 months a year

• Due to be demolished with planning permission in place

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The EPC Certificate provides potential buyers or tenants of the property an idea of the running costs of the property, and the measures that can be taken to reduce running costs.  More importantly, the Energy Performance Certificate provides the Government much needed data about the UK Housing Stock's environmental impact, and what needs to be done to reduce the environmental impact and reduce fuel poverty

To carry out an EPC Assessment, we carry out a visual inspection of the property, with access needed to all rooms and the loft if possible.  We check how many habitable rooms are heated, identify the heating present and how the heating is controlled, whether the walls and loft are insulated, the overall size of the property and the heat loss perimeter amongst other things.  The EPC Assessment is designed to be non-intrusive - ie we will not remove or damage any element of the property for the inspection, as such if we cannot inspect roof voids or any part of the property, generic assumptions will be made based on age

To book an Energy Performance Certificate, you can call us on 07875 281743, email us, or complete our online booking form.  We are available 6 days a week during office hours - unfortunately evening appointments are not available.  Your EPC Certificate will be emailed to you usually the evening of the assessment, provided cleared funds are received.  Payment can be made by cash, Bank Transfer or PayPal.  If ordering a Floorplan, 360 Degree Virtual Tour or Professional Property Photography with your EPC Assessment, a discount is available - contact us to discuss your requirements

It is a legal requirement to have a current, valid EPC Certificate whenever a property is marketed for sale or for rent.  The EPC Certificate must be made available to potential tenants or purchasers upon request.  Failure to have a valid EPC Certificate when the property is being marketed could result in a fine.  You may also need an EPC Assessment when applying for certain Government Grants for home insulation or heating improvements, or for Renewable Energy grant

As from the 1st April 2020 there is a legal requirement for any property rented out in the private rented sector to have a minimum EPC rating of E or above on an Energy Performance Certificate on a new or existing tenancy.  It will be unlawful to rent a property which breaches the requirement for a minimum "E" EPC rating, unless there is an applicable exemption.  

We provide EPC Assessments, Professional Property Photography, Floorplans and 360 Degree Virtual Tours in the following areas - 

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Chelmsford | Maldon | Braintree | Witham | Billericay | Wickford | Basildon | Benfleet | Canvey Island | Stanford-Le-Hope | Rayleigh | Hockley | Rochford | Southend-on-Sea | Leigh-On-Sea | Westcliff-On-Sea | Romford | Hornchurch | Upminster | Rainham | Brentwood | Tilbury | Grays | Purfleet | South Ockendon | Chafford Hundred

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