Domestic Energy Assessor

An EPC survey is an assessment of a property's energy efficiency. EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate.

An accredited energy assessor visits the property, collects information about the building and its services, and uses that information to produce an EPC.

• Every habitable room — to establish the property's layout and dimensions. 
• Loft/roof space — where present and reasonably accessible, especially to determine insulation. 
• Heating system and controls — boiler/heat pump, radiators, thermostats, programmers, etc. 
• Hot-water system — cylinder, immersion, storage arrangements and associated insulation. 
• Windows and external doors — to identify glazing type and other relevant characteristics. 
• Lighting — enough access to establish the proportion/type of low-energy lighting. 
• Extensions/conservatories — if present, because they can affect the assessment. 
• Renewable technologies — solar PV, solar thermal, heat pumps, etc. 
• Meter/utility areas where relevant — particularly where equipment or systems need to be identified. 

Typically 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the property

 An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, although you may want a new one sooner if the property has undergone significant energy-efficiency improvements or if you're relying on it for a particular transaction. 

• If you're selling a property

In England and Wales, you generally need a valid EPC before you market a property for sale, unless an exemption applies.

The EPC gives prospective buyers an idea of the property's energy efficiency and likely energy costs.

•  If you're renting it out

If you're a landlord, an EPC is generally required before marketing a property for rent.

There are also minimum energy-efficiency requirements that can apply to privately rented properties, subject to exemptions. So for landlords, the EPC isn't simply paperwork — the rating can have implications for whether a property can legally be let.