EPC Information

Since 2008, due to European Law requirements, all properties in Northern Ireland need to have an EPC when they are being sold or let, this includes residential, newly constructed and commercial properties.

What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate shows the energy efficiency of a building and is intended to make people more aware of the energy efficiency and running costs of the homes they buy and live in, as well as the buildings they work in. The EPC contains a graph much like those you'd find on some new kitchen appliances like refridgerators and washing machines with an A-G scale (A being the most efficient and G the least efficient), as well as recommendations on how to improve the property’s energy efficiency.

The EPC rating is determined through information collected about the property by the Energy Assessor during the assessment of the property. Some areas that are looked at include: the heating systems and controls, loft and wall insulation, window types, the amount of energy efficient light bulbs, and of course the age and type of property.

A Domestic Energy Assessment takes about half an hour to an hour for residential properties depending on the size of the property. The Energy Assessor will then process the information and produce the Energy Performance Certificate. An electronic copy of the EPC (PDF) will be sent to the owner and the agent if required. Printed copies can be provided on request.

What if the EPC is lost or stolen?
The EPC for the property is recorded on a national database www.epbniregister.com and can be accessed at any time with the EPCs RRN number.

What if I disagree with the energy rating?
Energy assessors are trained to look over the property, record what they see and from that make relevant judgements about the property. If the assessor has made a mistake, they may need to resubmit the EPC and issue a new one. This should be done at no extra cost to you. If the energy rating is incorrect due to certain information not being available at the time of the assessment (for example: a wall cavity insulation certificate not being present and no obvious external wall markings visible) then you may need to pay for a new EPC to correct this if desired. Each case will be judged individually and does not affect your statutory rights. It is our company policy not to charge full price for a replacement EPC but the disagreement must be brought to our attention within 14 days of the assessment.

Why does a brand new building need an epc?
“Current building regulations set very high standards for energy efficiency, which will be reflected in the EPCs produced for buildings constructed against these standards. The EPC will also serve to highlight buildings sold as new but constructed to older building regulations, thereby allowing the buyer to make an informed choice when purchasing a property.”
(Dr Philip Irwin, Head of DFP Properties Division)

How Much will an On Construction or Commercial EPC Cost?
The cost for On Construction EPCs will vary according to several factors including size, availabilty of drawings, complexity and number of buildings. The Commercial EPC costs also depend on several factors including size and use of property as well as the type(s) of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to be found in the property.

How long is the EPC valid for?
Domestic and Commercial EPCs are valid for 10 years although certain events will invalidate them. An On Construction (New Build) EPC is valid until the property is sold.  If the new owner decides to sell again then a Residential EPC will need to be obtained to complete this sale.  The On Construction EPC can not be reused.

For more specific information about the different kinds of EPCs that we provide and costs please go to our Products & Services and Pricing pages.