An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows a representation of the energy efficiency levels and CO2 emissions of a building. The table goes from A to G, A being very efficient and G being very inefficient.

An EPC certificate also outlines energy saving measures and recommendations for improving the EPC rating.

According to current legislation, an EPC is valid for 10 years.

A domestic Energy Performance Certificate is required by law when a building is sold, rented out or constructed. If you are a homeowner who is not looking to sell your property, an EPC is not mandatory but very useful to assist you in determining the energy efficiency of your property. If on the other hand you are looking to sell your property, a valid EPC is a requirement.

The current MEES requirements mean that landlords with properties which require an EPC cannot start new tenancies in England and Wales in properties with a rating lower than E. From April 2020, all existing tenancies which require an EPC will need to have a minimum E rating.

There are some buildings which are exempt from requiring an EPC, including:

1. Buildings used as places of worship or for religious activities

2. Temporary buildings

3. Buildings with low energy demand

4. Stand-alone buildings with a floor area of <50m2

5. Buildings that are due to be demolished (certain stipulations apply)

6. Buildings and monuments officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit

We aim to provide an Energy Performance Certificate within 24 hours of conducting a site inspection at your property. We will send a link to a government website so you can be assured of its authenticity.

The typical time taken to carry out an inspection in an average property is between 30 minutes to 1 hour. This may sometimes take longer depending upon the complexity of the building.

All our domestic energy assessors are required to perform DBS checks and pass them prior to joining us.

All EPCs are carried out by Stroma accredited Domestic Energy Assessors (DEA) who hold Public Liability Insurance (PLI) and are registered with TrustMark (A government endorsed scheme that offers homeowners reassurance and protection from rogue traders). Please visit https://www.trustmark.org.uk/ for more information.

During the visit, the energy assessor will need to access all the rooms, the boiler and the loft (if there is safe access). They will have to take photographs of items, such as heaters and meters and may take photographs of any unusual features in the building. They may also photograph any area that cannot be accessed or visually inspected (for example, a fully boarded loft). Care will be taken to ensure personal items are not present within the photos taken.

Green Deal Finance allows you to pay for some of the cost of your improvements in instalments under a Green Deal Plan (note that this is a credit agreement, but with instalments being added to the electricity bill for the property). The availability of a Green Deal Plan will depend upon your financial circumstances. There is a limit to how much Green Deal Finance can be used, which is determined by how much energy the improvements are estimated to save for a 'typical household'.

You may be able to obtain support towards repairs or replacements of heating systems and/or basic insulation measures, if you are in receipt of qualifying benefits or tax credits. To learn more about this scheme and the rules about eligibility, call the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234 for England and Wales.