Should My Heating Be On During an EPC Assessment?
One of the most common questions homeowners, landlords, and tenants ask before an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment is:
"Should I turn the heating on before the assessor arrives?"
The simple answer is:
No, the heating does not usually need to be switched on during an EPC assessment.
Does the Heating Need to Be Running?
In most cases, no.
The heating does not usually need to be switched on during an EPC assessment.
An EPC assessment records the characteristics of the heating system rather than measuring how well it is performing on the day of the inspection.
The assessor will typically record information such as:
The type of heating system
The boiler make and model (where visible)
Heating controls
Hot water provision
Renewable energy technologies
The age and efficiency of the system
The heating does not normally need to be operating for this information to be collected.
What Is the Assessor Looking For?
The EPC methodology is based on the property's energy-related features and construction details.
For heating systems, the assessor may need to inspect:
The boiler
Heat pumps
Storage heaters
Radiators
Programmers and timers
Thermostats
Hot water cylinders
The assessment is not a performance test and does not involve measuring how quickly the property heats up or how warm individual rooms become.
Should the Heating System Be Accessible?
Yes.
While the heating does not normally need to be switched on, the assessor will require access to the relevant equipment.
Property owners and occupiers should ensure that:
The boiler is accessible
Heating controls can be viewed
Hot water cylinders can be inspected where present
Any renewable energy systems can be accessed
Access to the heating system is often more important than whether it is operating.
What If the Heating Is Switched Off?
This is not usually a problem.
Many EPC assessments are carried out during warmer months when heating systems are not in regular use.
Provided the assessor can inspect the heating equipment and collect the required information, the assessment can normally proceed without difficulty.
What If the Heating System Is Broken?
The assessor will record the heating system that is present at the time of the inspection.
An EPC is not a condition survey and does not assess whether the heating system is functioning correctly.
However, if key components are missing or a heating system has been removed, this may affect how the property is assessed.
Will Turning the Heating On Improve My EPC Rating?
No.
Running the heating during the assessment will not improve the EPC rating.
The EPC calculation is based on the characteristics of the heating system and the property itself, rather than how warm the home is on the day of the inspection.
In the same way, turning lights on, increasing the thermostat setting, or heating the property before the assessor arrives will not increase the EPC score.
Can I Help the Assessor by Warming the Property Beforehand?
There is no need.
Some homeowners believe that warming the property before an EPC assessment may improve the outcome. However, the assessor is not measuring the temperature of the property or how comfortable it feels on the day.
The heating does not usually need to be switched on during an EPC assessment, and pre-heating the property will not affect the calculation.
Instead, it is more helpful to ensure that the heating system and controls can be easily inspected.
How Can I Help the Assessor?
To help the assessment proceed smoothly:
Ensure the boiler is accessible
Make heating controls easy to view
Provide any relevant documentation if available
Ensure all rooms can be accessed
Make loft hatches accessible where appropriate
Having information such as a boiler installation certificate, commissioning certificate, or user manual available may also be helpful, although it is not always required.
How A1 Home Inspectors Can Help
At A1 Home Inspectors, we are often asked whether the heating should be switched on before an EPC assessment.
In most cases, the answer is no. The assessment focuses on the type and characteristics of the heating system rather than whether it is operating on the day of the inspection.
If you have any questions before your appointment, our team will be happy to help.
Need advice about an upcoming EPC assessment? Contact A1 Home Inspectors today and speak with one of our assessors.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general guidance only. EPC assessments are carried out using approved methodologies and are not condition surveys or performance tests. Individual circumstances may vary.
