What if the EPC rating isn’t the first thing you should check? An epc report also records details about a property and sets out recommendations. If the information is unfamiliar or inaccurate, it can be difficult to decide what to do next.
It’s understandable to feel unsure, especially when a sale, letting or compliance deadline is approaching. This practical checklist helps you review the key sections, check the property details and recorded features, and raise a query if something looks wrong. It also explains how to weigh up recommendations without assuming they guarantee a particular rating, decide whether a new assessment may be needed, and find a local assessor. A methodical review can help you choose your next step with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Learn what an epc report covers and which property details to check first.
- Separate questions about recommendations from possible errors in the recorded information.
- Use a clear process to compare a questionable entry with the property and note your concern.
- Find out when a new assessment may be needed and whether Energy Smart covers your area in Herts, Beds, Cambs, Northants, Bucks or North London.
What an EPC report tells you: the first checks to make
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) report summarises a property’s energy efficiency, gives it a rating and lists recommendations that may improve its performance. Before acting on the advice, check that the report relates to the right building. The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) overview explains the UK certificate’s purpose and A-to-G scale.
Which EPC report details should you verify first?
Start with the identifying information. Compare the report with the property and note anything that doesn’t match:
- Address: Check the house number, street and postcode, not just the town or building name.
- Property type: Confirm the report describes the right kind of home, such as a flat or a house.
- Recorded features: Look for details that seem inconsistent with what you can see, such as the heating system, windows or other features mentioned in the report.
Next, find the energy rating, assessment date and recommendations. These are usually presented in clearly labelled sections, but the layout and terminology can vary. Follow the labels on your certificate rather than assuming every version uses identical wording. The A-to-G scale gives a quick overview: A indicates higher energy efficiency, while G indicates lower efficiency. It isn’t a full explanation of how the rating was reached.
Note the assessment date and check the report’s issue or validity information if you’re relying on it for a transaction or letting. If the property has changed since the assessment, make a note of what changed and when, as this may help you decide whether to ask the assessor about the report. For wider certificate context, see our guide to finding an EPC certificate. Checking these details first can help you distinguish a possible error from a recommendation you simply want explained.
How to review EPC recommendations and query possible errors
An EPC recommendation is advice about a possible improvement, not proof that a property detail has been recorded incorrectly. You might want to ask whether a suggested measure suits the building. A factual concern is different: for example, the report may describe a heating system that isn’t installed. Separate these questions before raising a query so the assessor can respond to the specific issue.
Work through the entry in order:
- Identify it: Note the exact recommendation or property detail, using the wording in the report.
- Compare it: Check the relevant part of the property. For a recorded heating system, compare the report with the equipment actually installed.
- Record the concern: Write down what appears inaccurate or what you’d like clarified. Gather relevant evidence, such as clear photographs or installation paperwork, if available.
What should you do if an EPC report looks incorrect?
Keep a copy of the report and your supporting evidence together. Contact the assessor who produced it, identify the specific entry and explain what doesn’t match the property. Ask them to clarify their assessment and explain the follow-up process. Procedures can depend on the circumstances, so check the latest official guidance rather than assuming a correction will be made in a particular way.
A query or reassessment may not change the rating. The outcome depends on the property and assessment, so treat recommendations as points to investigate, not a promise of a higher band. If you need a fuller explanation of what the bands mean, consult a dedicated EPC ratings guide. If a new domestic assessment is appropriate, find out about EPC assessment services.
When to book an EPC assessment in Energy Smart’s service area
A new assessment may be needed if you can’t find a suitable certificate, the existing one is no longer valid, or a sale, letting or building project calls for an up-to-date EPC. An EPC is generally valid for 10 years, but don’t rely on that alone. Check the current official requirements for your property and situation, particularly if a deadline is close. If the property has changed or you’re unsure whether the existing epc report is suitable, ask an assessor whether a fresh assessment is appropriate.
Energy Smart provides domestic and commercial EPC assessments across Herts, Beds, Cambs, Northants, Bucks and North London. Its local coverage includes London, Bedford, Cambridge, Northampton, Luton, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Stevenage, Aylesbury and Peterborough. As availability can depend on the precise location, confirm coverage for your property before making arrangements.
What information should you prepare before booking an EPC?
Having a few details ready can help you make a clear enquiry. Gather:
- Property address, including postcode, and whether it’s domestic or commercial.
- Access arrangements, including how the assessor can enter and who will be there.
- Relevant building information, such as details of the heating system or changes that may help explain the property.
For a home, use domestic EPC guidance; for a non-domestic building, check commercial EPC requirements. The assessment process and applicable rules can differ by property type, so confirm what applies with official guidance. If your enquiry relates to a building project, Energy Smart also provides SAP, overheating and heat loss calculations, as well as airtightness testing and water calculations. You can review its EPC booking information before proceeding.
Book an EPC assessment when you’re ready, after checking the requirements and service availability for your property.
Take your next step with confidence
A careful review can help you spot mismatched property details, understand the recommendations and separate a question about advice from a possible factual error. If something doesn’t look right, note the specific entry, gather relevant evidence and ask the assessor what follow-up process applies. Before booking a new assessment, check the current requirements for your property and circumstances.
Energy Smart provides domestic and commercial EPC assessments across Herts, Beds, Cambs, Northants, Bucks and North London, including London, Bedford, Cambridge, Northampton, Luton, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Stevenage, Aylesbury and Peterborough. Confirm availability for your location, then contact Energy Smart to book an EPC assessment if a new report is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information is included in an EPC report?
An EPC report identifies the assessed property and summarises its energy performance, rating and recommendations. It may also show the assessment date and information about features recorded during the assessment. The exact fields and terminology can vary by report type and assessment conventions. Check the address and property details first, then ask the assessor to explain any entry you don’t understand.
How can I check whether the details in my EPC report are correct?
Compare the address and recorded features in your epc report with the building, including details such as the property type or heating system. Note any clear differences and keep relevant evidence, such as photographs or paperwork, with your copy of the report. Contact the assessor to ask about the specific entry and available follow-up. A query doesn’t automatically change the rating.
Can an EPC report be corrected if it contains a mistake?
Raise a suspected error with the assessor responsible for the report. Identify the exact entry and provide any relevant supporting information, then ask what correction or review process applies and what evidence is needed. The available route depends on the circumstances and current procedures. Check formal requirements against official guidance, and don’t assume that disagreement with a recommendation qualifies as a factual correction.
When should I book a new EPC assessment?
Consider a new assessment if you need an up-to-date certificate for a property-related purpose or can’t rely on the report you have. Requirements depend on your circumstances, so check current official guidance before acting. Energy Smart provides domestic and commercial EPC assessments in London, Bedford, Cambridge, Northampton, Luton, Milton Keynes, St Albans, Stevenage, Aylesbury and Peterborough. Confirm availability for your property when enquiring.