Question 1

What is an EPC?

Accepted Answer

An Energy Performance Certificate rates a home's energy efficiency from A to G and comes with a report of measures that could improve that rating. It uses standardised assumptions, so it is not a record of the current occupier's energy use.

Question 2

When do I need one?

Accepted Answer

In Scotland an EPC is needed when a property is sold or let, and it must be available to prospective buyers or tenants.

Question 3

How long does an EPC last?

Accepted Answer

Ten years. You can commission a new one sooner if you make improvements and want the certificate to reflect them.

Question 4

What do the A–G ratings mean?

Accepted Answer

The assessment produces a score out of 100 which falls into a band, A being the most efficient. Much of Edinburgh's period stock sits in the D–E range because of solid stone walls and original glazing.

Question 5

How long does the visit take?

Accepted Answer

Usually 30–60 minutes for most Edinburgh homes. Larger properties and rooms in the roof can take longer.

Question 6

Do you need access to every room?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the assessment covers the whole dwelling, so all rooms forming part of the property need to be accessible.

Question 7

Do you need to get into the loft?

Accepted Answer

Where the property has a loft and it can be reached safely, loft access helps record insulation accurately. Please make sure the hatch is reachable.

Question 8

Do you take photographs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Photographs and site notes are taken as evidence for the assessment record.

Question 9

Is the assessment invasive?

Accepted Answer

No. The survey is non-invasive — nothing is drilled, opened up or removed.

Question 10

What should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

Access to rooms, the loft hatch, the boiler and heating controls, plus any documentation for insulation, glazing or heating upgrades.

Question 11

Why is my EPC different to my neighbour's?

Accepted Answer

Insulation, heating, glazing, alterations, construction age and the evidence available all differ between individual dwellings — even in the same tenement.

Question 12

Can the assessor change my rating?

Accepted Answer

No. The rating is calculated by approved software from the property data recorded during the assessment.

Question 13

Can the assessor choose which recommendations appear?

Accepted Answer

No. Recommendations are triggered by the property information collected and generated through the approved EPC methodology and software.

Question 14

Why does my certificate say something was 'assumed'?

Accepted Answer

The assessment is non-invasive. Where a feature cannot be seen or supported by acceptable documentary evidence, the methodology may require assumptions to be used.

Question 15

What happens after the assessment?

Accepted Answer

The data is entered into approved software, the certificate and recommendation report are produced, and the EPC is lodged to the Scottish EPC register — Watt EPC aims to lodge within 24 hours.

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