You should use a qualified and fully accredited assessor because:

An accredited ENERGY ASSESSOR (EA) has not only been on a government recognised course but has passed to an NVQ level 3 or higher. Once they have qualified, in order to work in the field they must join an accreditation body. There are several bodies but all must comply and uphold the guidelines set out by the government. The bodies 'Police' our profession and ensure that all energy assessors adhere to the National Occupational Standards required to produce Energy Performance Certificates.

The accreditation bodies have a responsibility to audit all EA's annually, this audit should include random sampling of lodged EPCs and attending a live EPC Assessment. You can check if an EA is accredited by looking at the central register at www.hcrregister.gov.uk and typing in the assessors name.

• BESCA/HVCA
• BRE
• Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
• Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
• Elmhurst
• EPC Limited
• Knauf Insulation
• National Energy Services
• Northgate
• Quidos
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Stroma