Check if you need to have an EPC done
EPCs are valid for 10 years. If you have an EPC already then you do not need to commission another one until the 10 years is up. If you are unsure if you have an EPC already for your property then you can search for it on the EPB Register. Just enter your Postcode and current EPCs for that Postcode will be listed and you can select and download yours from the list.
If you have upgraded your property you may wish to commission a fresh EPC even if you have one still in date. Beware : some changes will reduce the rating e.g. taking out night storage heaters and putting in panel heaters. Also the rating reflects fuel costs and these change over time. Gas, for example, is now relatively more expensive than it was a few years ago and ratings for properties with Gas Central Heating have been dropping.
If you are planning to make changes to your property and the Energy Rating is important to you it may be worth taking some advise before starting the work.
Check which version of the EPC you need
There are different versions of the EPC.
Domestic properties built before April 2008 require an RdSAP EPC. This is produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor who will visit your property to collect the relevant information to calculate the rating. This will be done from any visible details of the property they can see together with any documentary evidence you might have.
For Domestic properties built after April 2008 the first EPC produced must be an On Construction EPC, referred to as a Full SAP. This is a desk exercise and the Assessor needs to be qualified to produce it. Conversions also require a Full SAP. They are more expensive than RdSAP EPCs. There are exceptions. For example, the information required to produce the Full SAP calculations may no longer be available or there have been subsequent changes to the property. Provided there is evidence to support this then an RdSAP EPC can be produced.
Shops, Offices etc require a Commercial EPC. These are also more expensive than a Domestic RdSAP EPC and will be on a sliding scale of cost.
Bristol IDEA Limited only provide Domestic RdSAP EPCs.
Before the EPC Visit
When you make an appointment we will talk you through what to expect during the visit. You should :
- Warn occupants about the visit. The DEA will need access to all rooms.
- Confirm that none of the occupants have coronavirus symptoms or are self isolating.
- If you have a pet that might be upset by the visit please arrange for it to be elsewhere.
- Hunt out any documentation you have to support any alterations that will improve your rating. Improvements include :
- Extensions to the property
- Insulation not visible e.g. Cavity Wall Insulation installed post build where drill marks are no longer visible
- Double glazing (particularly from 2002 onwards)
- The manual for the boiler is useful too
- If you have low energy light bulbs to hand then put them in before the DEA arrives. It’s a simple way to improve your rating. The Energy Assessor will only look at the fixed fittings in the ceiling or on the walls and not at any plug in lamps you might have.
- If your loft has fixed boarding then some of this will need to be lifted to allow the Energy Assessor to measure the loft insulation that is underneath. Lift a random selection of boards. If the Assessor cannot measure the depth of the loft insulation the default assumption will be the insulation required in the Building Regulations at the time the property was built. For older properties that assumption is that there is no insulation. For more recent properties the regulations have required increasingly thick insulation. You will not need to lift the boarding if you have a certificate showing what insulation has been installed.
- We may have similar issues seeing the loft insulation if the loft space has been used for storage and is packed full. Normal levels of storage in the loft are fine as long as we can see a good proportion of the insulation from the entrance hatch.
- Documention is particulary important if the loft space has been converted to living space. Sign off from building control is ideal. Documentation will allow us to use the more recent date from the coversion. Without documentation the EPC will use the original build date which can have a significant impact on the rating for the EPC. We have attempted, in the past, to help tracking down documentation from the local authority building control but, due to data protection, they increasingly will only deal with the property owner.
- Please also see our Privacy Policy
During the EPC Visit
The Energy Assessor (DEA) always carries their identity card. Ensure that they show it to you.
Government guidelines for tradespeople visiting homes during the coronavirus pandemic will be adhered to. This means social distancing, the wearing of masks and sanitising of hands. We prefer that the property is vacated and that all internal doors are left open. If occupants plan to remain in the property then they should stay in one room and maintain a 2m distance from the Energy Assessor.
The DEA will look at the age, construction and size of the property. They will take measurements and photographs. The DEA will need to visit every room, gain access to the rear of the property, the loft and the cellars and take a look at the gas and electric meters.
Payment can be taken at the end of the visit by the Assessor. Alternatively an Invoice will be sent with the EPC.
Payment methods are :
- Cash
- Cheque, made payable to Bristol Idea Limited
- Card, but please specify this when booking the appointment as not all DEAs carry a card payment reader
- Bank transfers are also available, details for payment will be provided in an Invoice.
After the EPC visit :
The information will be entered into the government EPB Register and the EPC Certificate is produced.
A link to the EPC on the EPB Register will be emailed to you together with either an Invoice or a Receipt. You will be able to print a copy by following the link. If you wish to save a copy on your computer then use the option to Print to PDF rather than to a printer. Alternatively we can send you a printed copy through the post.
If posting payment to us please make sure you include the detachable payment slip with the cheque. If paying by BACs include the Invoice Number in the payment Reference.
Should you have any problem at any stage then please contact us so that we can resolve it with you. Contact details are on our Contact Form and on the receipt/invoice you received with the EPC.
Updated by Wendy 25 September 2021
EPCs in Bedminster, Bishopston, Bradley Stoke, Brentry, Brislington, Clifton, Emersons Green, Filton, Hanham, Henbury, Henleaze, Leigh Woods, Long Ashton, Lonwell Green, Kingswood, Knowle, Patchway, Redland, Sea Mills, Shirehampton, Sneyd Park, Southmead, Stoke Bishop, Westbury on Trym, Whitchurch Chepstow