Ratings

The EPC provides an energy performance rating from 'A' (highly efficient) to 'G' (least efficient). Because ratings are standard, tenants can easily compare the energy efficiency of one property to another. Ratings are influenced by type of property, its age, layout, construction, heating, lighting and insulation. The typical rating for a property is D or E.

Ratings enable prospective tenants to assess the estimated costs of heating the property and the amount of carbon dioxide released as a consequence.

Estimated running costs are based on assumptions about a property (ie the number of occupants and how long it is heated during the day). However, average fuel prices from the date the EPC was produced are used, which could be up to ten years old. Actual running costs will vary depending on current fuel costs and tenant use.

Recommendations

The certificate also includes recommended measures that could improve a property's energy performance.

The assessor visits your property at a mutually agreed time - if you still have tenants living at the property you should try to ensure that the time is convenient for them too. You can expect the assessment of a three-bedroom property to take about an hour (larger or more complex properties take longer).

The assessor will take internal and external measurements. They collect details about the construction of the property and the type of heating and hot water used. They might photograph heaters and meters. Make sure the inspector has access to all rooms, the loft and the boiler.

What information does the assessor need?

To help the assessor determine the most accurate rating for your property, gather relevant information in advance, such as receipts for any work done to the property.

The assessor will want to know:

• when the property was built (searches or deeds provide evidence)
• whether or not your property has been extended and when
• whether it has been double glazed
• whether the walls have been insulated and if so whether this is cavity, internal or external insulation
• when boilers and hot water cylinders were installed and any manuals you may have
• where the room thermostats and heating timers are
• where the gas and electricity meters are
• the type of heating fuel you use and the types of heating you use for your rooms

After the visit, the assessor will enter the information into an authorised software programme used to produce the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and recommendation report.

Information collected about your property is protected from disclosure without your permission other than for strictly limited purposes.

Acting on Energy Performance Certificate recommendations

Recommendation reports provided with your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will detail ways to improve your property's energy performance.

There is no legal obligation on you to act on these recommendations, but doing so may help you attract prospective buyers keen to cut energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Recommendations are split into low-cost improvements (eg insulating the hot-water tank) and high-cost improvements (eg cavity wall insulation). Each improvement will show the typical cost savings per year as well as what the performance rating could be after making the improvement.

You may find the report also includes more advanced (and more costly) measures, such as installing solar energy panels, which you will need to apply if your property is to achieve the highest energy efficiency standards.

Find information on improving the energy efficiency of homes on the Energy Saving Trust website - ( Opens in a new window ).