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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate tells you how energy efficient your home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes will have a rating at the upper end of that scale and will therefore be more energy efficient.
The certificate also advises on the impact your home has on the environment, and what improvements you could make to improve the rating of your property.
Do I need an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate is now required in Northern Ireland for all properties on the market. For all listings an EPC is required when the property is placed on the market so that the EPC rating and accompanying Recommendation Report can be made available to any potential purchaser or tenant for inspection. This applies to commercial sales and rentals also.
An EPC is a vital document in the sale process as a sale can not be completed without one. The Department of Finance and Personnel has furthermore advised if homeowners do not adhere to the legislation they run the risk of facing £200 fines. Fines for owners of commercial premises are even more onerous.
All commercial buildings marketed for sale or rent and residential rentals came under the legislation on 30th December 2008.
Some property owners may also obtain an EPC simply to see where energy efficiencies could be made - even if they are not selling or renting out their homes. This would assist in reducing energy waste, reduce costs and improve the energy rating for the future should the property then be sold or rented. A higher energy rating may also enhance the value of the property as energy costs continue to rise and therefore become an important selling factor.
When will I need an Energy Performance Certificate?
EPCNI Government Timetable:
| End of June 2008 | Residential Sales |
| End of September 2008 | All newly constructed buildings |
| End of December 2008 | All commercial buildings marketed for sale or rent and residential rentals |
Therefore all premises that are constructed, being marketed for sale or to rent (including commercial premises) now require an EPC at the outset of marketing.
How do I order a residential EPC?
- Simply select Order My Assessment and enter details about your property
- Enter property details, including the house number, postcode and the number of bedrooms.
- Enter your contact details
- Choose the assessment date and time you would like an Energy Assessor to go to your home.
- Enter your payment details
- Confirm order and check date and time are ok.
What about commercial premises?
Due to the variety in the style, use and form of the commercial premises we prefer to offer a free written quotation. Please telephone our office on Belfast 90328020 or email the details to info@epcni.com.
How long does the survey take?
The average 3 bedroom home should take 1 hour. However speed is not the priority as it is accuracy which is important to ensure accurate results. The assessor will need access to the entire house including the roof space and will take measurements and photographs to support the survey.
How long does it take to get the EPC?
Using our On-Line Booking system, you will be able to select an appointment day and time that suits you. We will then send an assessor to your home to carry out an inspection. It will then take another 48 hours to receive your certificate.
How do I get my copy of the EPC and what is an EPCNI reference number?
We will arrange to deliver your EPC by email and send a copy to your estate agent and solicitor if you wish. The full certificate will be accessible from the familiar ‘rainbow graph' when it is viewed on-line on your property's brochure page - this will be a user and energy friendly alternative to printing many copies of the certificate for general circulation. If you do not have email we are happy to send you a printed, bound copy of your certificate and recommendation report for a small fee of £2.50 to cover printing and postage costs.
What details are on the EPC?
1) Property address
2) Unique EPC number
3) Current & potential energy efficiency rating
4) Assessment of typical current & potential energy costs (not actual costs)
5) CO2 Impact rating
6) Recommendation Report highlighting where energy efficiencies can be made- the likely cost and payback period.
Do I need to make improvements?
The certificate contains details and recommendations on ways to improve your home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment. There is no legal requirement to make the improvements, but the recommendations are designed to highlight the cost benefit and payback periods in addition to reducing your home's impact on the environment.
Can others see my EPC?
People who are interested in your home, can request to see the EPC for the property to find out what the rating is and if they would like to make improvements.
Viewers can request the EPC from your Estate Agent, or can simply click on the EPC on the brochure page to view the certificate.
Why should I use EPCNI?
- A professional network of 'Gold Standard' accredited Energy Assessors.
- EPCNI Energy Performance Certificates are delivered electronically (unless specified otherwise) for efficiency and in the interest of energy conservation.
- EPCNI Energy Performance Certificates and the full report can be instantly accessed online by clicking the rainbow graph.
How much does an EPC cost?
For a limited time only ANY HOME, ANY SIZE, ANY WHERE will cost only £99+VAT.
Simply click on the order now tab at the top of the page, or telephone our orderline to book now!
All costs are subject to vat at the prevailing rate.
