What Happens During an EPC Assessment?

I get asked this a lot. People aren't sure what to expect when I turn up, or whether they need to prepare anything. Here's a walkthrough of exactly what happens from start to finish.

Before I Arrive

You don't need to do much. Just make sure I can access the loft hatch (move anything stored underneath it if you can) and that the boiler is accessible. I'll also need to see the gas meter if it's inside the property.

Measuring Every Room

The first thing I do is measure every room in the property. Length, width, height. I sketch out a floor plan as I go. This gives me the total floor area, which is one of the inputs to the energy calculation.

Checking the Construction

I look at what the walls are made of (solid brick, cavity brick, stone, timber frame), what the roof is made of, and what insulation is present. I check the loft space to see how much insulation is up there and measure its depth. I also check for cavity wall insulation. These are the biggest factors in the rating.

Windows and Doors

I record the type of glazing throughout the property. Single, double, or triple glazed, and the approximate age. I also note the number of external doors and what they're made of.

Heating System

I check the boiler type, age, and efficiency. I look at the heating controls, whether there's a room thermostat, a programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) on the radiators. If there's a secondary heating source like a gas fire, I record that too.

Lighting

I count the light fittings and note how many are low-energy (LED or CFL) versus traditional bulbs. This is a smaller factor but it still contributes.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical three-bedroom semi takes about 45 minutes. Smaller flats are quicker, larger detached homes take a bit longer. I'm thorough but I don't hang about.

After the Visit

I enter all the data into the approved software, which generates the rating. I lodge the certificate on the national EPC register and email you a copy. This is usually done within 24-48 hours of the visit, often the same day.

If you want to know how to improve your rating before or after an assessment, have a look at my guide on how to improve your EPC rating. You can also check out the full list of services I offer.