Energy performance certificates are unreliable and need reform, says Which?

Investigation finds assessors providing inaccurate EPCs and unhelpful advice to homeowners

The consumer group Which? has called for an overhaul of the energy performance certificates (EPC) system after an investigation found assessments riddled with inaccuracies and unhelpful advice that could cost homeowners thousands of pounds.

The investigation, which included Which? securing EPC assessments for 12 homeowners, found in one case an assessor had failed to mention a property's solar panels or wood burning stove in their final assessment, while the cost of upgrades recommended to another owner would not have been recouped for 29 years.