Everything You Need to Know About Energy Performance Certificates
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates how energy-efficient a property is.
It provides a clear, visual guide to a building’s energy use and environmental impact, helping owners, buyers, tenants, and landlords understand how much energy a property uses — and how that can be improved.
At EPC Wearside, we provide fully accredited domestic EPCs for just £59.99, giving you accurate, government-approved reports that meet all legal requirements for selling or renting your home.
The Purpose of an EPC
The goal of an EPC is to make energy efficiency clear and accessible.
It allows potential buyers or tenants to compare how efficient different homes are and what their likely energy costs will be.
Every EPC includes:
- A current energy efficiency rating (graded A to G)
- A potential rating, showing what the property could achieve with improvements
- Estimated energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water
- Recommendations for improving energy performance
- Environmental impact data, such as CO₂ emissions
An EPC helps you understand where your property stands — and what can be done to save money and reduce carbon emissions.
Who Needs an EPC
By law, you must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate when:
- Selling a property
- Renting out a property to new tenants
- Building a new home
The EPC must be available to potential buyers or tenants before the property is marketed.
Each certificate is valid for 10 years, so once it’s issued, it can be reused for future sales or tenancies until it expires.
How an EPC Is Calculated
An EPC is based on a standard assessment procedure (SAP) carried out by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor.
During the assessment, the assessor collects information about your property, including:
- Type and age of the building
- Wall, floor, and roof insulation
- Heating systems and controls
- Hot water systems
- Type of windows and glazing
- Lighting efficiency
Using this data, software calculates the property’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.
The result is expressed as an Energy Efficiency Rating (A–G), with ‘A’ being the most efficient and ‘G’ the least.
Understanding EPC Ratings
| Rating | Description | Typical Property Type |
|---|---|---|
| A – B | Very efficient | Modern homes with excellent insulation and efficient heating systems |
| C – D | Average efficiency | Most UK homes fall here; decent insulation but room for improvement |
| E – G | Poor efficiency | Older homes with outdated systems and little insulation |
Improving your rating can increase your property’s value, reduce bills, and lower your carbon footprint.
How EPCs Help Homeowners and Landlords
An EPC isn’t just a legal document — it’s a useful tool for improving your property.
Benefits include:
- Lower energy bills through improved insulation and heating efficiency
- Increased property value and better marketability
- Compliance with government energy efficiency standards
- Environmental benefits through reduced carbon emissions
For landlords, EPCs are particularly important.
Properties must now meet a minimum EPC rating of “E” or higher to be legally rented out under current UK energy efficiency regulations.
The EPC Assessment Process
At EPC Wearside, our assessment is designed to be fast, accurate, and hassle-free:
- Book an appointment – Contact us to arrange a convenient time.
- Home visit – Our qualified assessor inspects your property (usually takes 30–45 minutes).
- Calculation and report – Data is entered into government-approved software.
- Receive your EPC – You’ll get your certificate by email, typically within 24 hours.
The assessment is non-intrusive — no drilling or damage, just observation and measurement.
How to Improve Your EPC Rating
Common recommendations for boosting your EPC score include:
- Adding loft or wall insulation
- Installing double or triple glazing
- Upgrading to a modern, efficient boiler
- Switching to LED lighting
- Adding renewable energy sources like solar panels
Even small changes can make a noticeable difference to both your rating and your running costs.
Why Choose EPC Wearside
- Fixed price – £59.99 (no hidden costs)
- Fully qualified energy assessors
- Fast turnaround – reports within 24 hours
- Friendly, local service across Sunderland, Washington, Seaham, and nearby areas
We make getting an EPC simple — from booking to certification.
Book Your EPC Today
📧 Email: johnpaulhood2015@gmail.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 0751 813 5361
EPC Wearside — Certified Efficiency, Fixed at £59.99.