How to prepare your property for an EPC assessment

 

 

If you're selling, renting or simply want to understand your home's energy efficiency, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an important step. While you can't "revise" for an EPC, there are a few simple things you can do before the assessor arrives to ensure your property is assessed accurately.

 

1. Make Sure Every Room Is Accessible

  • Your assessor will need access to all areas of the property, including:
  • All bedrooms and living areas
  • Kitchen and bathrooms
  • Loft (if there's a loft hatch)
  • Boiler and hot water cylinder
  • Garage or extensions
  • Moving boxes or furniture away from loft hatches, boilers or meters can help the assessment run more smoothly.

Why it matters?

If certain areas can't be inspected, the assessor may have to make assumptions based on the EPC methodology, which may not fully reflect the property's energy performance.

 

2. Have Details of Recent Improvements Ready

If you've made energy efficiency improvements, let your assessor know.

Examples include:

  • Loft insulation installed or topped up
  • Cavity wall insulation
  • New double or triple glazing
  • Boiler replacement
  • Solar panels
  • Heat pump installation

Even better...

If you have invoices, installation certificates or guarantees, keep them handy. Documentary evidence can sometimes allow certain improvements to be recorded where they aren't easily visible.

 

 

3. Ensure the Loft Can Be Inspected

Loft insulation plays an important role in an EPC.

Before your appointment:

  • Clear access to the loft hatch.
  • Make sure it's safe to use a ladder if required.
  • Remove anything blocking access.

The assessor won't move heavy items, so easy access helps ensure the insulation can be inspected.

 

4. Make the Boiler Easy to Access

Your heating system is one of the biggest factors affecting an EPC.

Ensure the assessor can easily see:

  • The boiler
  • Programmer or timer
  • Hot water cylinder (if applicable)
  • Heating controls and thermostats
  • If the boiler is hidden inside a cupboard, simply make sure it can be opened.

 

5. Check Your Lighting

EPCs take energy-efficient lighting into account.

If you've already replaced most of your bulbs with LEDs, make sure they are fitted during the assessment rather than storing them away.

 

6. Don't Worry About Cleaning or Decorating

Unlike a house viewing, an EPC isn't about how your home looks.

The assessor isn't judging:

  • Tidiness
  • Decoration
  • Furniture
  • Paintwork

They're interested in how the property is constructed and how efficiently it's heated, insulated and ventilated.

 

7. Allow Around an Hour

Most EPC assessments take between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the size and layout of the property.

During the visit, the assessor will record details such as:

  • Property dimensions
  • Construction type
  • Insulation levels
  • Windows and glazing
  • Heating and hot water systems
  • Lighting
  • Renewable energy systems, if present

 

Common Questions

Can I improve my EPC on the day?

Not really. The assessment reflects the features that are already in place. However, if you've recently completed energy-saving improvements and have evidence available, this can help ensure they're taken into account where appropriate.

 

Do I need to switch the heating on?

No. The assessor doesn't measure how warm your home is. They're recording the property's energy-related features, not testing your heating usage.

 

Do I need to be home?

Someone aged 16 or over should usually be present to provide access and answer any questions.

 

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an EPC assessment is simple. By ensuring the assessor has access to all areas of the property and by having details of any energy efficiency improvements ready, you can help make sure your home's assessment reflects its current condition as accurately as possible.

At Visionest, we provide professional EPC assessments for homeowners and landlords across the UK. If you're unsure whether recent improvements could affect your EPC rating, we're always happy to offer practical guidance before your appointment.