Thames Valley EPC

Thames Valley EPC: energy certification in Berkshire and Reading

Thames Valley EPC is an energy assessment company operating from Reading and serving Berkshire, with declared coverage in Wokingham, Bracknell and the whole of the UK, including Wales and Scotland. The company launched in 2010 and works with both private homeowners and landlords and businesses.

Its activity focuses on issuing Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), a document required to sell or rent a home or commercial property in the UK. The team is made up of qualified Domestic Energy Assessors who inspect the property and gather data on its features to calculate its energy rating.

Certification and assessment services

The service catalogue includes:

• Residential EPCs.
• Commercial EPCs.
• Gas safety certificates.
• Electrical safety certificates.
• Air and sound tests.
• Inventories.
• Floor plans and photographs, with land registry accreditation.

The company also offers a boiler maintenance service, as stated in its service presentation.

Prices and availability

The website shows an indicative price table for EPCs: flats from £70, houses with up to four bedrooms from £80 and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) from £100. The company states that it can carry out residential certificates the same day if the request is made before 18:00. For estate agents and landlords who need several certificates, it offers terms and discounts that must be enquired about directly.

What is an EPC and why is it necessary

The Energy Performance Certificate records the energy efficiency level and CO2 emissions of a property. It was introduced in the UK in 2007 to comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Since then, a property cannot be sold or rented without a valid EPC. The certificate is valid for ten years, although if renovations are carried out during that period it is advisable to update it.

The assessment is based on an inspection of key elements such as loft insulation, double-glazed windows, heating and hot water systems, the number of floors, the age of the building and the number of chimneys, windows, hallways and rooms. With this data, the assessor enters the information into a software program that calculates the energy rating on a scale from A (most efficient) to G. The certificate is accompanied by a recommendations report to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs.

For new builds there is a specific certificate called "On Construction", which must be arranged by the person responsible for the work to comply with building regulations.

Responsibilities of the owner or landlord

The responsibility for having an EPC lies with the owner, seller or landlord. In the case of a new build, the person carrying out the work must obtain the certificate and inform the building control officer or approved inspector. The seller or landlord must pay for the initial inspection and provide the certificate to the buyer or tenant before formalising the sale or lease agreement.

Area of operation

The company states that it covers the whole of the UK, including Wales and Scotland, and presents itself as one of the largest and most competent energy performance certificate providers in the country. Its operational base is in Reading, with a presence in Berkshire and nearby locations such as Wokingham and Bracknell.

Location and contact

2 Wokingham Road, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1JG · Phone: 07702111533 · Email: inquiriesthamesvalleyepc@outlook.com