buyer guides

Energy Performance Certificates

Are you wondering what an Energy Performance Certificate is and why it’s important to have one? Read our guide to find out more.

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

First introduced in 2007, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a four-page legal document that measures the energy efficiency of a property. The certificate rates a property’s efficiency using a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient.

An EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. Once your property has been assessed and the EPC has been obtained, it remains valid for ten years.

What does an EPC contain?

Once your property has been assessed, the EPC will provide you with energy efficiency information about your property. This information is split into four sections:

The ratings: What do they mean?

Your Energy Performance Certificate is calculated based on the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). Your home will be given a numerical value from 1 to 100. These scores are then divided into bands and this determines the energy-efficiency of your property. The higher your energy-efficiency rating (EER), the more efficient your home is and the less it will cost you to run it.

How to Obtain an EPC

When you buy a new home from Taylor Wimpey, we will will obtain an EPC for your new home once it has been built.

We will provide the EPC to you as the new owner and we will notify the local authority building control officers or approved inspectors that this has been done.

After ten years, your property will need a new EPC, which you will be required to obtain. The EPC register stores existing certificates, and it will also allow you to conduct a search for assessors who are properly accredited and able to conduct a review assessment of your property.

What else could you do to improve your EPC?