Only accredited domestic energy assessors can produce EPCs for residential properties.
Our assessor will:
Visit your property to examine the building fabric, heating system, hot water provision, and lighting
Take measurements and note insulation levels, window types, and heating controls
Use standard assumptions about occupancy (typically based on a family of four)
Provide the certificate within a few days of the assessment
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates your property’s energy performance and environmental impact. The certificate includes your property’s current energy efficiency rating, a potential rating showing possible improvements, and recommended measures to enhance energy performance. EPCs are valid for 10 years and must be obtained from accredited energy assessors.
The energy certificate provides a detailed breakdown of your property’s energy use, including heating systems, hot water systems, insulation levels, and overall energy consumption. This information helps property owners, potential buyers, and tenants make informed decisions about energy costs and efficiency improvements.
EPCs are a legal requirement in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for most residential and commercial properties. You need a valid EPC when:Selling any propertyRenting residential or commercial propertiesConstructing new buildingsMaking major renovations to existing propertiesEstate agents cannot market properties without valid energy performance certificates, and landlords face penalties for renting properties without proper documentation. The legal requirement applies to most buildings, though some exceptions exist for listed buildings and certain temporary structures.
Residential Energy Performance Certificates
Domestic energy assessments cover houses, flats, and other residential properties. The assessment examines heating systems, insulation (including cavity wall insulation and loft insulation), double glazing, and hot water systems. Residential EPCs help homeowners understand their home’s energy efficiency and identify potential savings through recommended improvements.
Commercial Energy Performance Certificates
Commercial properties require specialized assessments covering larger heating systems, ventilation, lighting, and energy management systems. Business properties often have more complex energy requirements, and commercial EPCs provide detailed analysis for property managers and business owners.
Current and Potential Ratings
Your EPC shows both current energy efficiency and potential rating achievable through recommended improvements. The rating scale runs from A (92-100 points) to G (1-20 points), with most UK properties falling between C and E ratings.
Energy Bills and Cost Implications
Higher energy ratings typically correlate with lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact. Properties with better EPC ratings often command higher market values and rental rates, making energy efficiency improvements financially beneficial.
Conservatory roof conversions to fully insulated roofs typically trigger SAP calculation requirements. When converting existing conservatories into habitable living spaces, the improved thermal envelope must demonstrate adequate energy performance to meet current building regulations standards.
Converting properties to residential use requires sap calculations to demonstrate thermal performance improvements over existing conditions. Barn conversions, commercial-to-residential changes, and similar projects must show that the conversion enhances energy efficiency rather than simply maintaining previous performance levels.
Domestic energy assessments cover houses, flats, and other residential properties. The assessment examines heating systems, insulation (including cavity wall insulation and loft insulation), double glazing, and hot water systems. Residential EPCs help homeowners understand their home’s energy efficiency and identify potential savings through recommended improvements.
Commercial properties require specialized assessments covering larger heating systems, ventilation, lighting, and energy management systems. Business properties often have more complex energy requirements, and commercial EPCs provide detailed analysis for property managers and business owners.
Get my free quote nowPublic buildings over 1,000 square meters require Display Energy Certificates (DECs) in addition to standard EPCs. These certificates show actual energy consumption based on annual energy bills and must be prominently displayed. Display energy certificates help demonstrate public sector commitment to energy efficiency and climate change mitigation.
To get a quote for an EPC, simply give us a call on 01827 284488, or fill in our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
We require the following details to provide an accurate survey price:
Once you've accepted our quote, we’ll just need your invoicing details. And you'll receive the report with 5 working days.
Get my free quote nowSee why clients trust Gradwell
"Outstanding service from start to finish. The team at Gradwell Building Performance were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They guided us through the entire TM59 overheating assessment with clarity and care. The thermal modelling report was delivered on time and tailored specifically to our building design. We felt completely supported and confident in meeting our planning and compliance requirements. Highly recommended!”
FAQ Section
An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is a legally required document that assesses the energy efficiency of a building. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommendations for improving energy performance.
You need an EPC if you're selling, renting, or building a property in the UK. It’s a legal requirement for residential and commercial properties unless the building is exempt (e.g. listed properties in some cases).
An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If you're selling or letting a property, you must ensure the EPC is up-to-date.
EPC costs vary depending on the type and size of the property. For a typical residential property, the cost ranges from £75 to £120. Commercial EPCs are usually more expensive due to their complexity.
If you fail to provide an EPC when required, you could face a fine of up to £5,000, depending on the type of building and situation. It's a legal obligation under the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations.