Frequently Asked Questions

An EPC is a legally required document rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) on a scale of 1–100. It shows current and potential ratings, estimated energy costs, and recommended improvements. Valid for 10 years.

Ratings run A–G: A (92–100, excellent) to G (1–20, very poor). The rating reflects how energy-efficient your property is based on its fabric, heating, and lighting — not your actual energy use. A higher rating means lower energy bills and less CO₂ output.

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. You don't need a new one if a valid certificate exists — even when selling or renting — provided it's less than 10 years old and a more recent one hasn't been issued. A new EPC supersedes any previous certificate.

The current rating reflects how energy-efficient the property is now. The potential rating is what it could achieve if all cost-effective improvements recommended on the certificate were carried out. The gap between the two shows the improvement headroom.

Higher-rated properties typically command a premium. Research consistently shows Band C or above adds measurable value, particularly for rental properties facing MEES compliance requirements. A low rating can also affect mortgage availability on rental properties.

Yes — all lodged EPCs in England and Wales are on the public register. You can search by postcode. Our free EPC Lookup tool makes this even easier.

RdSAP 10 is the current methodology for assessing existing homes, introduced in 2025. It collects more detailed data than its predecessor (RdSAP 9.94), particularly around heating systems, heat pumps, solar technology, and fabric performance. This makes ratings more accurate and fair — especially for properties with modern improvements.

Yes. When a new EPC is lodged, it supersedes the previous one. The latest lodged certificate is the valid one. If your previous certificate showed a lower rating that you've since improved, commissioning a fresh assessment will update the public record.

Yes. You must have a valid EPC before marketing the property. Estate agents are required to include the EPC rating in listings. Penalties for non-compliance can reach £5,000.

Yes. A valid EPC must be provided to prospective tenants before a tenancy begins. Under MEES regulations, the property must also meet minimum energy efficiency standards (currently Band E or above for England and Wales).

Some properties are exempt: listed buildings (where improvements would unacceptably alter character), temporary buildings intended for use for less than 2 years, and some holiday lets. Exemptions must be registered on the PRS exemptions register.

Yes. All new dwellings must have an On-Construction EPC (OC-EPC) before they can be occupied. This is based on the as-built SAP calculation and the air tightness test result.

Yes. Non-domestic properties require a commercial EPC when built, sold, or rented. The assessment uses SBEM methodology rather than RdSAP. Level 3, 4, or 5 assessment is needed depending on building complexity.

Failing to have a valid EPC when required can result in fines up to £5,000 for domestic properties and up to £150,000 for larger commercial properties. Estate agents can also be fined for marketing without one.

MEES are regulations requiring rental properties in England and Wales to meet minimum EPC standards. Since April 2018, properties must be Band E or above for new tenancies. From 2028, the government is proposing to raise this to Band C.

Band E. Properties rated F or G cannot legally be rented out without a registered exemption. This applies to all domestic tenancies in England and Wales.

The government proposes that from 2028, all rental properties must achieve a minimum of Band C for new tenancies. This is a significant jump for many landlords — particularly those with Victorian terraces, older solid-wall properties, or properties without cavity insulation.

Without a valid exemption, it is unlawful to let the property. You must either carry out improvement works to raise the rating or register a valid exemption on the PRS Exemptions Register.

Fines can reach £30,000 per property for domestic breaches. Local authorities can also publish details of non-compliant landlords. For commercial properties, penalties can reach £150,000.

Yes, in specific circumstances: if the cost of improvements exceeds £3,500 (the cost cap), if improvements would damage the property or aren't permitted under planning or listed building consent, or if a tenant refuses access for works. Exemptions last 5 years and must be registered.

The most cost-effective measures in rough order are: loft insulation, LED lighting, cavity wall insulation, smart thermostatic controls, hot water cylinder insulation, double glazing, and boiler upgrade. More significant improvements include solid wall insulation, solar PV, and heat pumps.

Yes. We offer portfolio pricing and can manage multiple assessments across your portfolio. Contact us to discuss a programme approach with bulk pricing.

Typically 30–45 minutes for a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached home. Larger detached properties or those with complex layouts may take up to 90 minutes. The assessor needs access to all rooms, the loft, and the heating system.

The assessor inspects: wall construction and insulation, loft insulation, floor insulation, window type and glazing, main and secondary heating systems, hot water system, lighting, solar panels or other renewables, and ventilation. All inspection is visual and non-invasive — nothing is moved or dismantled.

Ensure access to all rooms (including the loft if applicable), the boiler or heating system controls, the fuse box, and the hot water cylinder if present. Have any documentation for recent improvements to hand (e.g. boiler installation certificate, insulation guarantee). No special preparation is needed.

Someone must be present to grant access, but it does not need to be the owner — a tenant or property manager can let the assessor in. The assessor does not need any decisions made on the day; the visit is observation only.

We aim to lodge your certificate with the national register and send it to you within 24 hours of the assessment. In many cases, same-day lodgement is possible.

Domestic EPC assessors must be accredited DEAs (Domestic Energy Assessors), registered with a government-approved accreditation scheme such as Elmhurst Energy. All Avorria assessors are Elmhurst-accredited.

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) is the UK government's method for calculating the energy performance of new and converted homes. It's used to demonstrate compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. SAP can only be carried out by accredited OCDEAs.

A PEA is a document produced from the design stage SAP calculation, showing the predicted energy rating of a new home before it's built. It's required by Building Control before construction work begins.

The OC-EPC is the final Energy Performance Certificate issued when a new build is complete. It's based on the as-built SAP calculation, incorporating the actual air tightness test result. Required for handover and Building Control sign-off.

Air tightness testing measures how much air leaks through the building envelope. All new dwellings must be tested under Part L1A of the Building Regulations. The result feeds into the final SAP calculation and determines the OC-EPC rating.

The default design target is 8.0 m³/h/m² at 50 Pascals. Better-performing homes aim for 5.0 or below. The test result must be equal to or better than the design target used in the SAP calculation — if it's worse, a revised SAP is required.

The building fabric needs remedial work (typically finding and sealing leakage points), followed by a retest. We can carry out same-day retests in many cases. Common causes of failure are unsealed service penetrations, window reveals, and loft hatches.

A commercial EPC (also called an NDEC) rates the energy efficiency of non-domestic buildings on the same A–G scale. Required when a commercial property is built, sold, or rented. Assessed using SBEM or DSM methodology by a qualified NDEA.

Level 3: Small straightforward buildings (offices, shops under 500m²). Level 4: Larger or more complex buildings with sophisticated HVAC. Level 5: Very large or complex buildings requiring dynamic simulation modelling (DSM). Most commercial properties need Level 3 or 4.

EPC E minimum is already required (since 2018). EPC C is required from April 2027 for all non-domestic rented properties. EPC B is required from April 2030. Fines for non-compliance can reach £50,000.

Use our online booking wizard — select your service, enter your property details, choose a date, and confirm. For commercial, new build, or large projects, we'll contact you within 2 hours with a fixed price.

Domestic EPCs start from £65. Commercial EPCs from £150. New build SAP from £195. Air tightness testing from £120+VAT. All prices include lodgement on the national register.

Yes — please contact us at least 24 hours before your appointment. We'll reschedule at no charge. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a call-out fee.

We currently cover Chesterfield, Sheffield, Matlock, Mansfield, and the wider Derbyshire and South Yorkshire areas. Enter your postcode in the booking form to check availability.

All Avorria assessment fees include: the site visit, the full RdSAP 10 assessment, lodgement on the national EPC register, and the digital certificate emailed to you. No hidden extras.