EPC Survey Guide
What to expect during your Energy Performance Certificate assessment
What is an EPC Assessment?
An EPC assessment is a comprehensive survey of your property's energy efficiency features. The assessor will examine various aspects of the building to calculate an energy rating.
Before the Assessment
Gather Documentation
Having the following documents ready can help the assessment go smoothly:
- Boiler service records and manual
- Window installation certificates
- Insulation installation certificates
- Solar panel documentation
- Building control certificates
- Previous EPC (if available)
Provide Access
The assessor will need access to:
- All rooms in the property
- Loft space (if accessible)
- Boiler and heating controls
- Meter cupboard
- External walls and windows
- Roof space (where safe)
Clear Access Routes
To help the assessment run smoothly:
- Clear paths to all areas
- Move furniture blocking radiators
- Ensure loft hatch is accessible
- Have keys ready for locked rooms
- Inform assessor of any hazards
- Secure pets in a safe area
What the Assessor Will Do
Property Measurements
The assessor will measure the property dimensions, room sizes, and floor areas. They'll also measure wall thickness and ceiling heights.
Building Construction
Recording details of wall construction, roof type, floor construction, and any extensions or conservatories. Age and construction method are documented.
Heating System
Examining the boiler (make, model, age, efficiency rating), radiators, heating controls, programmer/timer, thermostats, and hot water cylinder.
Windows and Doors
Recording glazing type (single, double, triple), frame material (uPVC, wood, metal), and the proportion of each type throughout the property.
Insulation
Checking loft insulation depth and type, wall insulation (cavity or solid wall), floor insulation, and any additional insulation measures.
Lighting
Recording the proportion of low-energy lighting (LEDs, CFLs) throughout the property and any smart lighting controls.
Renewable Energy
Documenting any solar panels (PV or thermal), wind turbines, heat pumps, or other renewable energy installations.
Ventilation
Examining ventilation systems including extractor fans, mechanical ventilation, and any heat recovery systems.
Information the Assessor Will Need
About the Heating System
- Boiler make and model
- Boiler age (if known)
- Last service date
- Type of heating controls
- Hot water system type
- Presence of secondary heating
About Insulation
- When loft insulation was installed
- Approximate depth of loft insulation
- Whether walls are cavity or solid
- If cavity wall insulation was installed
- Any solid wall insulation
- Floor insulation (if applicable)
About Windows
- When windows were installed
- Type of glazing throughout
- Frame materials
- Any original/single glazed windows
- Installation certificates
- Building control sign-off
About Improvements
- Recent energy improvements
- Solar panel installation date and size
- New boiler installation
- Extension or conversion work
- Any certificates for work done
- Changes since last EPC
What Won't Be Assessed
Important: An EPC is not a structural survey or condition report. The assessor will not examine:
Structural Issues
The assessment doesn't cover structural defects, damp, subsidence, or building condition.
Appliances
Individual appliances like washing machines, ovens, and fridges are not part of the assessment.
Electrical Safety
The EPC doesn't include electrical safety testing or wiring condition checks.
Gas Safety
Gas safety certificates and boiler servicing are separate requirements.
Maintenance
General property maintenance and repair needs are not covered.
Property Value
An EPC doesn't assess or affect property value or market price.
After the Assessment
Certificate Production
The assessor will process the data and produce your EPC certificate, usually within 24-48 hours.
Invoice Sent
You'll receive an invoice via email with secure payment options.
Certificate Released
Once payment is confirmed, your EPC certificate is released digitally.
Government Registration
The certificate is automatically registered on the government EPC register.
Understanding Your EPC Certificate
Your EPC certificate will include:
Current Rating
Your property's current energy efficiency rating on the A-G scale, plus estimated annual energy costs.
Potential Rating
What rating your property could achieve if all recommended improvements were made.
Environmental Impact
Your property's CO2 emissions and environmental impact rating.
Energy Use Breakdown
Details of how energy is used for heating, hot water, and lighting.
Recommendations
Specific suggestions for improving energy efficiency, with costs and savings estimates.
Property Details
Summary of property features including heating, insulation, windows, and construction.
Tips for Achieving the Best Rating
Have Documentation Ready
Boiler manuals, window certificates, and insulation records help the assessor record accurate information that could improve your rating.
Complete Improvements First
If you're planning improvements, complete them before the EPC assessment to ensure they're included in your rating.
Point Out Recent Upgrades
Make sure the assessor knows about any recent improvements like new boilers, insulation, or solar panels.
Show Installation Certificates
Official certificates allow the assessor to record specific product specifications rather than making assumptions.
Clean the Property
While not affecting the rating, a clean, accessible property makes the assessment more efficient and thorough.
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Need advice?
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