EPC questions, answered.

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) shows how energy efficient a home is. It rates the property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and includes recommendations to improve it. Read our guide to EPCs.

Yes. You need a valid EPC when you sell or let a home in England, and when a new home is built.

An EPC is valid for 10 years. If you have made energy-efficiency improvements since, a new assessment may give a better rating.

There is no pass or fail. A low rating can still affect whether a home can be let, how buyers see it, and a landlord’s legal compliance.

Yes. Every EPC lists recommended improvements that could raise the rating and reduce energy bills.

Yes. You need an EPC when selling, renting out or building a home, and it must be available before the property is marketed. EPCs for selling.

No. The EPC must be ordered before marketing begins, and buyers must be able to see it.

Not if the existing EPC is less than 10 years old and for the same property: you can reuse it for selling or letting. If you have improved the home since, a new EPC may show a better rating.

You could face a fine, delays in selling or letting, and enforcement action by the local authority.

Often, yes. A better rating can improve buyer confidence, lower running costs and help a home sell faster.

Rented homes must currently reach at least Band E, unless a valid exemption is registered. The government has set out plans for the minimum to rise to Band C by 1 October 2030, so an accurate EPC from an experienced assessor matters. MEES regulations explained.

No. The same EPC can be reused while it is valid, as long as the property hasn’t changed significantly.

Band F is second from bottom on the A to G scale, and below the minimum for letting. Understanding EPC band F.

Often, yes: the old assumption that listed buildings are exempt doesn’t hold in most cases. Do listed buildings need an EPC?.

Only a qualified, accredited Domestic Energy Assessor can produce an EPC. Our assessors are Quidos-accredited and use the current RdSAP 10 method.

It depends on the size of the home: a visit can take up to two hours.

The layout and size of the home, the heating system and controls, insulation, windows and glazing, and how the property is built.

It helps to make sure we can get into every room and the loft, and to have any paperwork for the boiler, insulation, windows or other upgrades to hand.

In most cases we lodge the EPC on the national register the same day as the assessment, once payment has been received.

It depends on the size and type of property and whether you want a floor plan too. Tell us a little about the home and we’ll give you a fixed price before we book, with no hidden fees.

Use our quote form or call 01304 626457. We cover Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Faversham, Thanet, Deal, Dover, Folkestone and Ashford, plus the villages in between. See all areas.