Energy Performance Certificates

If you are thinking of buying a property it is important that you read the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as this tells you how energy efficient a building is. 

The energy efficiency rating can range from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating considers the potential energy performance of the property itself (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water, etc). In addition to this, the EPC will give recommendations on how to reduce the property’s energy use and how this can potentially save money. At Co-Ownership we want to encourage those applying to consider the energy efficiency and potential running costs of the home that they want to buy before committing to it. We also encourage existing customers to think about energy saving improvements that could be made to their home and how this could potentially save money. To read our full EPC guide click here.

Why is an EPC important?

If you’re buying a property, it makes sense to check out its EPC rating. This will allow you to compare the energy efficiency of different properties. You can ask the seller or the estate agent for a copy of the EPC or check it out online at www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate.

An EPC provides guidance on the energy efficiency improvements that could be made, how much they will cost, and how much could potentially be saved. This is useful if you are planning to buy a property and then make improvements. Bear in mind that any figures for energy use and potential savings are for a typical household in that property – they’re not tailored to you or your lifestyle. If you do make any improvements based on the energy efficiency recommendations outlined in an EPC, you may wish to have a new EPC produced to include these improvements.

Understanding your EPC

Listed below is a summary of each of the sections within an EPC report and what they mean. To read our full EPC guide click here.

Section 1: Energy efficiency rating for this property

The graph shows the property’s current and potential energy efficiency (see example below). Properties will have a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). You can also see the property address, certificate no. and expiry date. It also shows the type of property and total floor area.

Section 2: Breakdown of property’s energy performance

This section shows the energy performance for features of the property. Each feature is assessed as one of the following:

• very good (most efficient)
• good
• average
• poor
• very poor (least efficient)

Section 3: Improve the property’s energy performance

This shows the potential energy rating the property could achieve and recommendations on how to reduce the property’s energy use.

Section 4: Estimated energy use and potential savings

This section outlines the property’s estimated energy costs and cost savings if recommendations to save energy are followed.

Section 5: Contacting the EPC assessor

This provides the assessor’s contact details and the name of the scheme where they have been accredited.

Finally, an EPC is valid for 10 years and can be reused as many times as required within that period, no matter how many times the property is sold or rented out. It will be replaced by a newer EPC if one is produced for the same building during that period. To read our full EPC guide click here.

Thinking of buying a home with Co-Ownership and have questions about your property’s EPC, contact a member of our team on 02890327276 or at hello@co-ownership.org We can also signpost you to available grants and energy savings ideas.