1. EPCs (or Energy Performance Certificates) provide information on the energy efficiency of a building or home.

2. They are issued by a qualified assessor who carries out an energy assessment.

3. The certificate gives you a rating for the overall energy efficiency of the building or home, from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient).

4. EPCs are required for buildings or homes when they are put on the market for sale or to let.

5. The information on the certificates are based on the Building Regulations for energy performance of buildings in England and Wales.

6. The assessment takes into account the building structure and materials, heating system, insulation, lighting, and hot water system.

7. The certificate must be displayed in the window of the building or home while it is on the market.

8. An EPC is issued with valid for 10 years and is attached to any sale or transfer of the property.

9. The certificate includes a record of the energy efficiency rating and recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building or home.

10. The assessment includes an energy efficiency report that provides an estimate of running costs and carbon dioxide emissions.

11. The EPC also includes a heating cost indicator that shows the running costs of the heating system over a period of time.

12. Recommendations on the EPC include improving insulation, switching to more efficient lighting, upgrading the boiler and improving the ventilation system.

13. The recommendations are supported by a cost-benefit analysis that helps calculate how much money a homeowner may save by carrying out the improvements.

14. You can get a copy of your EPC free of charge from an energy assessor.

15. In England and Wales, you must get an EPC when putting a building on the market, putting it let, carrying out major improvements and refurbishments, and when constructing new buildings

16. Some landlords may require an EPC before leasing a property.

17. The same type of certificate is available for commercial buildings, called an EPC Commercial Report (EPCR).

18. The government may require certain types of buildings, installations or equipment to have a valid EPC.

19. You may be fined for failing to display a valid EPC or for producing a false EPC.

20. For homes and buildings, EPCs are graded on a scale from A – G, the A grade being the most efficient.

21. The EPC will often provide estimated operational costs for the following year.

22. The EPC will also provide information on related energy efficiency measures such as solar and wind energy, heating and insulation.

23. The ratings given in an EPC may be adjusted if a recommendation is implemented.

24. The Energy Performance Certificates are also used to help individuals and businesses reduce their energy consumption.

25. In addition, they may be required by utility companies in order to get more favorable rates.

26. A valid EPC should have the name and contact details of the energy assessor that prepared the report.

27. EPCs can also be used to measure the energy performance of industrial buildings, motels, office buildings and retail stores.

28. The certificate also provides information on grants, subsidies and discounts that may be available to improve the building’s energy performance.

29. There are other similar ratings given to cars, consumer electronics, and boilers that are based on the same principles as those given to buildings and homes in an EPC report.

30. It is important to remember that although EPCs provide useful information, they do not always reflect the actual energy efficiency or running costs of a building or home.