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Energy Performance Certificates	Return to frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions

What does EPC mean?
What exactly is an EPC?
Why do I need an EPC?
How is an EPC created for my property?
How long will a survey take to complete?
Do I have to be in the property for the survey?
How long will an EPC last?

What does EPC mean?
EPC is an abbreviation for Energy Performance Certificate.
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What exactly is an EPC?
An EPC is a certificate that gives you two ratings on a scale from A to G (�A� being the most efficient and �G� the least). The first rating is on the energy efficiency of your home, so it tells you how efficient the property is at retaining heat, the more efficient the lower the fuel bills. The second rating is about the impact your home has on the environment, so it is a measure of your home's carbon emissions into the environment. The certificate will also show the potential of the property to improve its rating and the survey you obtain will provide details on how this might be achieved.
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Why do I need an EPC?
EPCs were introduced in 2007 for the sale of private housing as part of the Home Information Packs (HIPs) scheme. However, from 1st October 2008 they became a legislative requirement for all social housing properties changing hands, which means if you start a new tenancy from this date onwards you are required to provide an EPC to prospective tenants.
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How is an EPC created for my property?
A survey of the property is carried out by a domestic energy assessor, who gathers various information about the property i.e. the level of insulation, whether it has double-glazing or not, the heating system in place, etc. This information is then processed and the certificate is produced from the data obtained.
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How long will a survey take to complete?
For an average property, the survey should take no more than about 45 minutes. The surveyor will need to view the exterior and access to the property internally to gather the information required.
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Do I have to be in the property for the survey?
The surveyor will require authorised access to the property, and may be happy to carry out his survey unattended subject to terms and conditions agreed. Otherwise an authorised adult (over 18), should be present to allow the surveyor access to carry out the survey.
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How long does an EPC last?
EPCs are currently valid for up to 10 years. However, if any works undertaken on a property are likely to affect the energy efficiency and environmental ratings, then the property should be surveyed again for another certificate.
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