EPC certifcates

from Chester Energy Assessors

A professional and prompt EPC from your local provider

The EPC or Energy Performance Certificate first became compulsory for domestic properties as part of the HIP pack regulations in 2007, and since October 2008 most rented properties have also required an EPC when advertised to new tenants. Only an accredited DEA (domestic energy assessor) can carry them out and Chester Energy Assessors has been providing EPCs in west Cheshire, Chester, Deeside and surrounding areas since they were first introduced.

We pride ourselves on conducting an accurate energy survey and offering a prompt cost-effective service to home-owners, landlords and property professionals. We also provide energy-saving advice in light of the EPC recommendations. If you want to know more about EPC pricing or to arrange a time for a survey then email us or telephone 01244-351644.

Reasons for getting your EPC from Chester Energy Assessors

  • Fast, friendly service: typical turnaround time 2 working days for an EPC
  • Professional, knowlegeable energy assessor who will explain the EPC to you, the factors affecting your rating, and the recommendations made
  • Reduced charge for updated EPCs after making improvments
  • CHEAPER than most letting agents: avoid their commission and no VAT to pay!
  • Private landlords: please call for reduced EPC rates if you own at least 3 properties
  • Our DEA is accredited with Elmhurst Energy Systems: accreditation number EES/002730

(Click here if you are interested in a commercial or on-construction EPC).

What we do to produce an EPC certificate

To produce an EPC, an accredited DEA first needs to inspect your property, which takes typically 45 minutes. The data he records includes property dimensions, details of the boiler and heating controls, loft insulation and various other items that affect the overall energy efficiency. The data is then submitted using standard energy calculation software and the EPC is generated as a PDF document. Usually, it is sent electronically to the customer, and the letting agent (if required). For more information see EPC: how is it calculated.

The EPC gives a band rating for the property between A (very good) down to G (very poor), then goes on to list recommended improvements to your property and the effect they would have on your energy rating and your energy costs. Click here to see an example EPC on a 1930s semi-detached house (Adobe Acrobat Reader required).

"Don't feel obliged to get your EPC through your letting agent"

EPC length of validity and when they are required

The following is a summary of the legislation as Chester Energy Assessors understands it around the requirements for EPCs. However, the property owner himself has the responsibility of understanding the law for their particular situation.

  • A domestic property being advertised for sale generally needs a HIP pack, and the EPC that goes into the HIP must be less than 3 years old
  • A domestic property being sold privately without advertisement (e.g. to friends or family) doesn't need a HIP pack but does need an EPC that is less than 3 years old on completion of sale
  • Any self-contained flat or house being advertised for rent requires an EPC that is less than 10 years old
  • Houses divided into bed-sits (House in Multiple Occupancy) that are intended to be let to one main tenant who is responsible for paying all the rent also requires an EPC less than 10 years old when being advertised for new tenants
  • A House in Multiple Occupancy being let to various tenants on individual contracts does not require an EPC
  • A flat that is part of a commercial unit being advertised for rent or sale together e.g. a flat above a shop where access to the flat is through the shop, does not need a domestic EPC. Instead, it needs a commercial EPC covering the whole unit.