EPC assessment

[JenniferBooth]

What exactly does this involve. My housing association wants to do one.

The assessor has a poke around your gaff to see how energy efficient it is.

They look at things like your windows (UPVC/timber etc) your heating system, your insulation and stuff like that and then will give you an EPC rating score and a certificate with your rating and how the property EPC rate can be improved.

It doesn't take long and you can just let them in and they get on with it.

It's an Energy Performance Certificate. Someone comes to check how Energy efficient your property is and if improvements can be made. It's a legal requirement if you sell a property or rent it out.

I will be present. The company is owned by Mears Group

HA told me it would involve testing the sockets................AGAIN

As long as it doesnt involve turning this place into even more of a sweat box

We had this. They’ve suggested either more loft insulation or solar panels. I don’t want more insulation after this summer, but will accept solar panels.

I didn't think EPC tested the sockets.

That would be EICR.

Person at the call centre mixed the two up despite me making it clear what it was.

An EPC visit is fairly low-key: the assessor records the construction, windows, heating and hot-water systems, controls, insulation evidence and any renewables, then models the likely energy performance. It isn’t a condition survey and shouldn’t involve opening up the house. It also isn’t an electrical safety inspection, so testing sockets would be an EICR rather than an EPC.

If insulation is suggested, ask what problem it is intended to solve and check ventilation, condensation risk and headroom before adding anything, especially if the flat already gets too hot. You can also ask to see the assessor’s accreditation and the completed certificate and recommendations.