Do you need an EPC for your property? Find everything you need to know

So what is an EPC?

An energy performance certificate (EPC) is quite simply a report detailing the efficiency, running costs and potential impact on the environment of the property. An EPC is required for a residential or commercial building and It looks at factors such as the construction method used, the size and use of the rooms, the heating and ventilation systems in the property and the levels of current insulation.

These and many other details on the property are entered into a software program and a final certificate is produced. EPCs for residential properties currently have a validity of 10 years for both sale and rental purposes although it could be wise to have an EPC completed again if you have conducted major works on your property and wish to highlight this, for instance to a new tenant.

Do I need an EPC?

Yes, if you are selling or renting a residential property, commercial property, claiming feed-in tariff, or signing off a new build property.

Commercial vs. Domestic EPCs

The fundamental difference between commercial and domestic EPCs is that a commercial EPC takes into account how the premises is used – a domestic EPC is always carried out on a home, but a commercial property could contain separate office space, storage or production areas. In a commercial EPC, these areas are ‘zoned’ and surveyed separately.

Commercial EPCs look into all types of building structures – the only prerequisite is that they have a shell and a core and can be conditioned. On the other hand a domestic property always has a bathroom, bedrooms, a living room and kitchen. The bigger variety in the shape, size and use of commercial rooms makes the assessment process much broader, with more things to consider. It means there is a bigger range of possible heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

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