What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells landlords and tenants the energy efficiency level of their property. Each property receives a standard energy and carbon emission efficiency grade from ‘A’ to ‘G’, with ‘A’ being the best. (The average to date is around the D/E grade.)

The EPC is issued after a property survey. The survey is used to collect standard information on the property, including its size, its age and construction techniques, and its hot water and heating systems. This information is then fed into a government approved software programme, which generates the EPC based on the data input.

Who needs an EPC?

If you’re letting a property after October 1st 2008, you need an EPC before a new tenant moves in. (If the property is currently let, you only need to get an EPC when the property is re-let.) Your EPC will then be valid for ten years.

A really valuable part of the EPC is a recommendation report that lists the potential rating that your property could achieve if some changes were made. These changes are improvements that would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property. The benefit of this report is that it can be used, not only to increase efficiency, but also to cut your fuel bills. So, don’t just look at the EPC as yet another hurdle to jump before you can let your property: see it as an opportunity to make energy savings.

How do you get an EPC?

The only person qualified to issue an EPC is an ‘accredited’ Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). Assessors may be employed by a company (such as an estate agent or energy company) or be independent traders. The important thing is to check that operate as part of one of the approved accreditation schemes. This ensures your DEA is legitimate and operating to professional standards.

Creating an EPC for an average sized property is likely to take about the same time as a valuation report. The exact time will vary from property to property and your DEA should be able to give you a rough estimate when you contact them to perform the job.

Why use Longross for an EPC?

Longrcross DEAs are all accredited and ready to perform your EPC survey now.

As with our inventory clerks, all Longcross DEAs are trained to a high standard. You can be sure of a professional service at all times, from first engagement through to the completion of the job and the delivery of your paperwork.

If you already use Longcross for inventory work, you know the quality service we provide, and it makes sense to ask us to perform an EPC survey along with the next inventory. If you’re new to Longcross, you can take comfort in our reputation and the fact that we’re the first choice for many of the leading lettings agents and a growing number of private landlords throughout the South East.

Get in touch with us now to arrange your EPC before your next let.

You can call us on 01932 807507 or, send us an email.

Prices for our EPCs can be found on our consolidated price list, which you can download from the sidebar.

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