Your Essential Guide for EPCs

Whether you're selling your home, letting out a rental property, or simply want to understand your property's energy efficiency, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is likely something you'll need. As experienced energy assessors since 2013, Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd has helped thousands of property owners navigate the EPC process across the UK.

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy efficient a property is. Think of it as your property's energy report card – it provides a clear picture of how much energy your property uses, what it typically costs to run, and crucially, how you can improve its efficiency to save money on energy bills.

At Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd, we're accredited with Elmhurst Energy for energy assessments, ensuring your EPC meets all regulatory standards and provides accurate, reliable information about your property's energy performance.

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When Do You Need an EPC?

You must have an EPC when you're:

• Selling a property
• Renting out a property
• Building a new property

It's important to note that you must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent. This isn't something you can leave until the last minute – the certificate needs to be available from the moment your property goes on the market.

In Scotland, there's an additional requirement: you must display the EPC somewhere in the property, for example in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.

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What Information Does an EPC Contain?

An EPC is more than just a rating – it's a comprehensive document that includes:

• Information about a property's energy use and typical energy costs, giving you a clear understanding of running expenses
• Practical steps to improve a property's energy efficiency and save money, with recommendations tailored to your specific property

The certificate gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (best) to G (worst) and is valid for 10 years, making it a long-term reference document for property owners.

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Understanding EPC Ratings

The rating system is straightforward:

• A-B ratings: Excellent energy efficiency, very low running costs
• C-D ratings: Good to average efficiency, moderate energy costs
• E-F ratings: Below average efficiency, higher energy bills
• G rating: Poor efficiency, highest energy costs

Our experience over the past decade has shown us that many properties can significantly improve their rating with relatively simple improvements, often moving from an E or F rating to a C or D with targeted upgrades.

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How to Get an EPC

If your property does not have an EPC or it has expired, you'll need a new one before you get your property ready to sell or rent.

You'll need to pay for an EPC from an accredited assessor. Your estate agent may be able to help arrange this, but at Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd, we make the process simple with our online booking calendar tool that allows you to schedule your assessment at your convenience.

Important: You can be fined if you do not get an EPC when you need one. The penalties can be substantial, so it's always better to arrange your EPC early in the process.

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Checking for Existing EPCs

Before ordering a new EPC, it's worth checking if your property already has a valid one. It's free to check if a property has a valid EPC through the official government database. However, remember that EPCs are only valid for 10 years, so older certificates may have expired.

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When You Don't Need an EPC

There are some specific situations where an EPC isn't required:

• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than 2 years
• Stand-alone buildings with total useful floor space of less than 50 square metres
• Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings that don't use a lot of energy
• Some buildings that are due to be demolished
• Holiday accommodation that's rented out for less than 4 months a year or is let under a licence to occupy
• Listed buildings (though you should get advice from your local authority conservation officer if the work would alter the building's character)
• Residential buildings intended to be used less than 4 months a year
• Places of worship

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The Value of Professional EPC Assessment

As energy assessors with over a decade of experience, we understand that an EPC is more than just a regulatory requirement – it's a valuable tool for understanding your property's potential. Our background in estate agency gives us unique insight into how energy efficiency impacts property values and marketability.

During our assessment, we don't just measure and record data. We provide practical advice on improvements that can enhance your property's rating, reduce energy bills, and increase its appeal to potential buyers or tenants. Many of our clients are surprised by how achievable significant improvements can be.

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Energy Efficiency and Property Value

In today's market, energy efficiency is increasingly important to buyers and tenants. Properties with higher EPC ratings often command better prices and rent more quickly. With energy costs remaining high, potential occupants are paying close attention to running costs when making decisions.

Our dual expertise in property and energy assessment means we can advise you on which improvements offer the best return on investment, whether you're looking to sell, let, or simply reduce your own energy bills.

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Making Energy Improvements

An EPC isn't just about compliance – it's your roadmap to a more efficient, cost-effective property. Common improvements that can significantly impact your rating include:

• Upgrading insulation (cavity wall and loft insulation)
• Installing more efficient heating systems
• Improving glazing
• Adding renewable energy sources like solar panels

At Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd, we can help you understand which improvements would be most beneficial for your specific property and circumstances.

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Book Your EPC Today

Don't leave your EPC to the last minute. Whether you're preparing to sell, planning to let your property, or simply want to understand its energy performance, Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd makes the process straightforward.

Use our convenient online booking calendar to schedule your assessment at a time that works for you. With our Elmhurst Energy accreditation and years of experience in both property and energy assessment, you can trust us to provide accurate, reliable EPCs that meet all regulatory requirements whilst giving you valuable insights into your property's potential.

Remember, an EPC is valid for 10 years, so getting one now protects you for future transactions and gives you plenty of time to implement any recommended improvements. Contact Blue Fox Energy and Electrical Services Ltd today to ensure your property is ready for whatever the future holds.