Frequently Asked Questions

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A survey of the property is very in-depth, walls, insulation & even the thickness of the gap of your double/triple glazing, through to the model number of your heating/hot water, TRV's & even how many light bulbs are energy efficient ones. Plus a whole load more data...

All of this information is calculated and input into some clever software that produces the result so it's very unlikely that your scoring is incorrect.

In order to achieve 'Very Good' with windows, they have to be Triple Glazed and have energy efficient glazing (such as Pilkington ‘K’ Glass).

Double Glazing cannot meet the same threshold of energy efficiency as Triple glazed units.

All of the photos taken will be held for the duration of the EPC (10yrs), this is to ensure that there is evidence of that snapshot in time of what the assessor had scored the property against.

*There will be no photos of people or personal items taken or stored.

* You may ask to view the photos while the assessor is on site or at any time after the survey is completed.

*We cannot delete any photos after the survey as they could be needed as evidence for an audit.

As assessment can only be concluded on an occupied/furnished property when an adult is present on site. *We can assess empty properties without supervision on request.

The software used to calculate the EPC is updated regularly to include research of existing heating & insulation methods, new technology plus any & all manner of industry standards with government guidelines.

You could insulate your property but find that your heating system has since been downgraded for its efficiency.

At ABC EPC, we are just a phone-call or message away from advising how your score was calculated.

Where a visual inspection can not be carried out due not being able to access, the software used to calculate the score will look at the age & build type of the property then Assume a U-Value based on building regulations at that time.

If it’s a locked loft or cellar, it may be assumed as zero insulation. If it’s a wall that has been insulated and no written proof from a builder or Building Control, then this will also have an assumed rating.

*Own DIY installations using photos and receipts cannot be used as evidence, the surveyor has to be able to record everything they see and the auditors will check geotagging of the surveyors evidence.

Not necessarily, an EPC score is based on the cheapest way to heat and light your home.

Currently new tech such as Far Infrared Heaters are classed as standard electric element heaters and Air Source Heat Pumps require electricity. 

Unless you have your Heat Pump with a renewable such as solar or a turbine, your score may not change at all or could possibly be slightly lower.

A survey can take as little as 20 minutes on a a studio or small flat and as long as an hour on a large property.

Although most of the information attained is standard, some properties throw up a lot more questions during the course of the survey.

As a guide, a 3 bedroom property should take no longer than 30 minutes if it's straight forward.

The cost of the time at the property is just the tip of the iceberg. 

The surveyor will need to verify a lot of information in the background, utilising companies such as FENSA, CERTASS, Local Planning Authority, Maps aswell as even checking the orientation of your windows. Then there’s the time required to calculate the findings and inputting the data. 

Travel will also be included (fuel, time and vehicle wear & tear).

Additionally some of the cost will go towards the accreditation company for use of their software to upload the EPC to the Government website and some towards the Government website to list your EPC.

The surveyor will also have other costs for training throughout the year, (due to the continued changes within this sector) as the surveyor will need to complete a minimum set of hours of CPD training to retain their license.