What is an EPC ?

What is an EPC ?

EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate and it is a certificate that contains all the information related to the energy efficiency of your home. Nowadays you can't sell your house without having an EPC. The EPC mentions a number that shows how much energy your house consumes per square meter per year. The lower the number, the more energy efficient your home is.

Who draws up the EPC?

The EPC must be drawn up by a certified energy expert. He or she comes to inspect the entire house and determines the energy score for your home based on a number of factors.

Some of these factors are:

-Wall insulation

-Roof insulation

-Glazing

-Heating installation/boiler (the state of it)

-Orientation of the house

-Any solar panels

What is the validity date of an EPC?

An EPC is valid for 10 years. You do not need to request a new certificate when you sell/rent your home and the EPC is still valid, except if you have had work done on your home that benefits its energy efficiency. In that case, your EPC score will be lower than the score mentioned on the existing EPC and you will have to have a new EPC drawn up.

Why do I need to have an EPC when selling/renting my property?

Nowadays, you are required to provide the EPC score of your home when you offer it for sale or rent. Without an EPC you may not publish it as being for sale or rent. The buyer/tenant must immediately be correctly informed about the energy score of your home. If you are selling your home, the original EPC must be handed over to the buyer no later than at the signing of the compromise. If you rent out your property, the tenant has the right to ask for a copy of the EPC when signing the rental agreement.

What is the difference between EPC and EPB?

You may also have heard of an EPB. This stands for energy performance and indoor climate. This report informs you about the extent to which your home meets the legal requirements in terms of energy performance, ventilation and thermal insulation. This report is mandatory for houses or apartments built with a building permit obtained after January 1, 2006. The report is valid for 10 years, just like an EPC, but contains even more detailed information.