Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) for self-catering

Lighting

An energy assessor will check the number of light fittings and low-energy light bulbs in the property. Compact fluorescent, LED type or normal florescent tube type count as low-energy light bulbs.

The survey will only include fixed fittings.

We'd recommend that you only use low-energy lighting, because it can save energy on a day-to-day basis when the property is in use.

If you're unable to update your properties lighting all at once, prioritise areas where the lights are on most often. This includes external lighting. Use automatic lighting controls, such as light or motion sensors, where possible.

Read our factsheet on lighting controls.

Insulation

The energy assessor will carry out a head-and-shoulder inspection of your loft space where relevant and possible. This is to check how much loft insulation is present and if it's laid on the joists or affixed to the rafters.

The current recommendation is to have 270mm of loft insulation laid at the joists.

If your loft is easy to access, doesn't have damp problems, and there isn't a flat roof, it should be easy to insulate. You can do this yourself if you're competent in DIY or you can use a professional installer.

The assessor will also check the building for cavity walls as well as any added of floor insulation. These may not be easy to see, so if these areas had any work done it might be best to hand over documented evidence.

Read our factsheet on draught proofing and insulation.

Windows

The energy assessor will take a visual inspection of the windows on the property. This is to determine if it's single, double, triple glazed or has secondary glazing.

If there is double-glazing, they check if installation was before or after 2002. If your property has a conservatory, the assessor will need to inspect it.

It's worth checking your property for draughts. When your property is draught-free, your heating system doesn’t have to work so hard.

Draught proofing can be a cheap and effective way of saving energy that will also improve the comfort of your property for guests.

Read our factsheet on draught proofing and insulation.

Heating and heating controls

The heating system makes up the largest part of the calculation of your Energy Performance Certificate. If you use boilers, have the model name, number, and the boiler handbook ready for the energy assessor.

The energy assessor also takes note of the time and heat controls. These include room thermostats and thermostatic radiator valves fitted in your property.

They'll also list any other form of heating such as coal, log, or gas / coal-effect fire.

Heating can account for more than 40% of total energy use.

For self-catering properties, you have little direct control over the heating when guests are in. So, it is important you provide guests with clear information on how to use heating controls and make best use of any automatic controls.

Read our factsheet on heating and cooling settings.