Build Comply

Domestic Energy Assessment

Residential Energy Performance Certificates

Existing, New-build, Conversions, Extensions, Over-glazing and Retrofit.

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Do you need a Domestic Energy Assessment?

Building Compliance Testing Limited can provide you with a fast and cost effective Elmhurst Certified Domestic Energy Assessment to produce a residential Energy Performance Certificate.

Learn more in the below sections as the requirements for a energy assessment are varied dependant on your project type.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate EPC measures the energy efficiency of a property on a scale of A-G. Energy Performance Certificates were introduced in England and Wales in 2007 and are a legal requirement for a building to be sold, let or constructed. Once obtained, an EPC is valid for 10 years.

The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment, known as the energy or SAP rating.

Better-rated homes should have less impact through Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions. The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home’s energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.

What factors effect an Energy Rating?

A Residential EPC rating will depend on:

– The amount of energy used per m²

– The level of carbon dioxide emissions (given in tonnes per year)

Below we look at the individual items looked at on an inspection of a property to formulate a domestic energy assessment. These are the factors that effect energy ratings.

What is included in a Domestic Energy Assessment?

A Domestic Energy Assessment, often resulting in an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), involves evaluating various aspects of a property to determine its energy efficiency. Here are the key components included in such an assessment:

1. Property Details

  • Age and Construction: Assessing the age and construction method of the property, including materials used for walls, floors, and roofs.
  • Dimensions: Measuring the floor and wall areas to understand the size and layout of the property.

2. Insulation

  • Cavity Wall Insulation: Checking for the presence and condition of cavity wall insulation.
  • Loft Insulation: Inspecting the loft or attic space for insulation and its effectiveness.

3. Heating Systems

  • Boiler and Heating Controls: Evaluating the type, age, and efficiency of the boiler, as well as the heating controls in place.
  • Heat Emitters: Looking at radiators, underfloor heating, and other heat emitters to assess their efficiency.

4. Windows and Doors

  • Glazing: Checking the type of glazing (single, double, or triple) and the condition of windows and doors.
  • Draught Proofing: Assessing the effectiveness of draught proofing around windows and doors.

5. Lighting

  • Energy-Efficient Lighting: Identifying the use of energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs.

6. Renewable Energy Sources

  • Solar Panels: Checking for the presence and efficiency of solar panels or other renewable energy sources.

7. Energy Usage and Habits

  • Appliances: Reviewing the energy efficiency of household appliances.
  • Usage Patterns: Considering how energy is used within the home, including heating, lighting, and appliance usage.

8. Recommendations

  • Improvements: Providing recommendations for improving energy efficiency, such as upgrading insulation, installing more efficient heating systems, or using renewable energy sources.

The assessment results in an EPC, which rates the property’s energy efficiency from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient) and includes suggestions for cost-effective improvements.

How do I find out if I require an EPC?

You will need an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) in the following situations:

  1. Selling a Property: An EPC is required when you put your property on the market for sale.
  2. Renting Out a Property: If you are renting out a property, you must have an EPC available for potential tenants.
  3. Building a New Property: New constructions require an EPC upon completion.

Exceptions

There are some exceptions where an EPC is not required:

  • Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years.
  • Stand-alone buildings with a total useful floor space of less than 50 square meters.
  • Industrial sites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings that do not use a lot of energy.
  • Some buildings that are due to be demolished.
  • Holiday accommodation rented out for less than 4 months a year or let under a license to occupy.
  • Listed buildings where compliance with certain energy efficiency requirements would unacceptably alter their character.
  • Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year.
  • Places of worship

When Selling Your Residential Property

The government passed legislation that states anyone wishing to sell their property must have ordered or possess an EPC when the property goes on the market. Your estate agent is required to upload this EPC within 28 days of the sale’s commencement date. There is currently no minimum EPC rating required for the sale of a property, unike if you intend to rent the property. An EPC is required for the transaction to be completed when selling – therefore this includes transferring a property from a pension fund or passing property to your relatives etc. 

When Renting Your Residential Property

If you wish to rent or lease your property you, as the landlord, must ensure that an EPC is available for any potential tenant to look at. As of April 2018, it is unlawful to let a property in the UK with an EPC rating below an ‘E’ (unless an appropriate exemption is registered). Where the landlord has failed to comply with the Compliance Notice this could lead to a fine up to £2,000 and/or a Publication Penalty. The legislation, Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) can have a major impact on your property portfolio, so feel free to call the team to discuss this in further detail.

Have a project in mind? Let’s get to work.

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