What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (or EPC) is a document that gives a building an energy rating from A to G, with A being the highest. It is an official recognition of the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of your property. It is the universal indicator of how the fabric of your building (the material of the building itself) and its energy-reliant services are performing and impacting the environment.
An EPC also recognises areas of improvement and, where those improvements are made, how cost savings can be generated. It is therefore useful for all of us to know what an EPC can tell us about our own homes and how to get an EPC of our own.
Residential Energy Services have a team of experienced home energy assessors and retrofit coordinators that can talk to you any time about your home energy efficiency needs. Jump to the the most FAQs about EPCs.
What would an EPC certificate tell me about my energy use?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, EPCs are available to review online. In Scotland, they are delivered electronically and are required to be displayed in every property.
1. Energy Efficiency Rating
The first and probably most recognised feature of the EPC is the energy efficiency rating; this is always displayed from an A to G scale.
The current rating is scored from 1 to 92+ in the first column; this shows exactly how energy-efficient your home is right now. The next column displays a potential energy efficiency rating that can be attained in your current property if certain energy efficiency improvements are met.
2. Energy Performance
Next, there follows a breakdown of your property’s energy performance rating from very good to very poor, or out of five stars in Scotland. Each feature of the fabric of the building and its appliances are assessed based on this scale. Features include walls, floor, windows, main heating such as boiler, radiators, hot water and lighting.
3. More Energy Independence
In addition to saving money, solar power can also provide park home residents with greater energy independence. Because solar panels generate electricity from the sun, you won’t have to worry about power outages or disruptions caused by storms. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have power (and potentially heating) no matter what.
4. Environmental Impact
Environmental impact is also rated on a scale of A to G; this is based on average occupancy and energy use. This is an interesting feature because it demonstrates what behaviours in your home are generating more or less CO2 in the atmosphere than neighbouring buildings which likely consist of similar materials.
5. Estimated usage and actions
Finally, your EPC explains how to improve your property’s energy performance with a prioritised list of proposed actions, their average installation cost and a typical yearly saving that you should expect.
EPC rating bands explained (A to G)
EPC ratings run from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Here’s what each band typically means:
A (92+ points)
Your home is exceptionally efficient with very low running costs. Usually modern fabric plus low-carbon heating and/or on-site renewables. What is the best EPC rating? EPC A is the best. GOV.UK
B (81-91)
Excellent insulation and efficient systems.
C (69-80)
Good modern standards. Many homes can reach C with targeted upgrades.
D (55-68)
Average for older UK homes; worthwhile improvements remain.
E (39-54)
Below-average efficiency and higher bills; landlords in England and Wales must meet at least band E to let a property.
F (21-38)
Poor efficiency; significant heat loss and/or outdated heating.
G (1-20)
Very poor efficiency; urgent improvements recommended.
What is the best EPC rating?
A is the best EPC rating. It signals excellent insulation, efficient heating and often on-site renewables, resulting in very low running costs and emissions.
What does EPC A mean?
EPC A means your home performs at the very top of the scale. In practice, that usually means high levels of insulation and airtightness, modern heating/controls and, commonly, renewable generation such as solar PV.
What is EPC E?
EPC E sits below the UK’s typical modern standard and usually points to older or poorly insulated fabric and less efficient heating. If you’re a landlord in England and Wales, MEES requires E or above to let the property. Improving insulation and heating controls often provides the quickest lift to D or C.
Quick wins to lift your EPC rating
Need fast, good-value improvements before a move or new tenancy?
- Top up loft insulation to recommended depths
- Draught-proof letterboxes, chimneys and gaps around floors/skirtings
- Place low-energy lighting throughout (replace remaining halogens)
- Add room thermostats, TRVs and smart scheduling
- Add cylinder and pipe insulation for quicker hot water and less heat loss
- If your roof is suitable, solar PV can push many homes up a band.
How much does an EPC cost?
There’s no fixed government fee. Prices vary by property size, location and assessor. Use the official service to find an accredited assessor, compare quotes and check availability.
Where to find your EPC online
Search the national EPC register for England, Wales or Northern Ireland to view and download your certificate. Use the Scottish EPC Register for properties in Scotland.
Is an EPC a legal requirement?
Yes. For any property that’s about to be bought, sold or rented, an EPC is essential. Landlords and property owners are responsible for making sure a valid EPC is available before an address can move along the property chain.
It is also important for buyers and tenants to review the EPC to determine the performance of the home they are looking to occupy; this will have an impact on their day-to-day living costs and overall level of comfort.
An EPC is helpful for buyers and sellers because:
It can help you plan your budget for home improvements
It can help determine an appropriate negotiating price for the property
It can help you to budget monthly and yearly living costs before you move house
What are the benefits of a higher EPC rating?
While an overall rating of C or above is considered a good result, the ultimate aim of all property owners is to get the energy efficiency of their property as high as possible to save more. Here’s how it benefits everyone involved:
It helps to lower energy consumption and therefore lower reliance on costly energy-intensive applications and services
It reduces the property’s overall carbon emissions and environmental impact
The lower your environmental impact the greater the likelihood of an increased property value
Improved mortgage rates and borrowing levels for homes with higher EPC ratings
How can I make my house more energy efficient?
To save money, save energy and improve your home’s EPC rating you need to improve standards of energy efficiency; fortunately, there are a few ways to achieve this.
Undoubtedly the most common and most effective example of improving efficiency that takes effect instantly. Solid wall, cavity wall and loft insulation can reduce heat loss, reduce dependence on heating equipment and could save you money, keep you more comfortable and warmer in the colder months and cooler in summer.
Replacing old boilers that generate waste energy can also have a significantly improved effect on overall energy saving and cost savings. Switching to alternative methods of heating, such as heat pumps, can also be extremely helpful in modernising your energy usage and streamlining your costs.
Solar panelling mounted on the roof of your home absorbs renewable energy from the Sun and converts it to electricity for your AC power supply, on which all of your electrical devices run.
Electric wall heating systems are notoriously expensive to run; modern electricity storage heaters collect and store heat at night, when electricity is less costly. It is then distributed evenly throughout the day.
How do I get an EPC certificate for my house?
Complete the form below to get your EPC. When you have secured your EPC, you can put your energy efficiency plans into action with a Home Energy Assessment with Residential Energy Services.
A Home Energy Assessment (also known as a Retrofit Assessment) is conducted by a qualified Retrofit Assessor, who visits your home to inspect your property, review its current energy performance and offer advice on energy measures needed to improve the efficiency of your home.
It is important to recognise the energy efficiency measures that can dramatically affect your energy bills.
Check My EPC Rating
What is an EPC rating?
An EPC rating calculates the energy efficiency of your property on a scale from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least. This rating helps you understand the current energy performance of your building and highlights potential energy-saving measures.
What does an EPC involve?
The process of obtaining an EPC involves a qualified assessor conducting a review of your property. They assess various aspects like insulation, heating systems and windows. The assessment results in a detailed report that outlines your property’s energy efficiency, its environmental impact, and recommended improvements to increase efficiency.
What does an EPC rating of E mean?
An EPC rating of ‘E’ is at the lower end of the energy efficiency scale, indicating that your property has significant room for improvement in its energy performance. Properties with this rating typically have higher energy costs and may not meet certain standards for renting or selling.
What is a good EPC rating?
A good EPC rating is generally considered to be ‘C’ or above, indicating that your property is relatively energy-efficient, with lower emissions and reduced energy costs. Higher ratings not only benefit the environment but can also enhance your property’s value and appeal to prospective buyers or tenants.
What's my EPC?
To find your current EPC, check any existing documents from when you bought, sold, or rented your property, as it is a required legal document in those instances. If you don’t have it on hand, you can retrieve it from the national EPC register on the government website.
What does an EPC check involve?
An EPC check involves a certified EPC assessor visiting your property to assess various elements that contribute to its energy performance. This includes examining the heating systems, insulation, windows, lighting, and the overall construction of the building. The assessor then compiles the data into your EPC report.
What does an EPC assessor do?
An EPC assessor is trained to evaluate the energy efficiency of your property. They conduct thorough inspections of the structural elements and energy-consuming systems of your home. Using this information, the assessor calculates the overall energy efficiency and environmental impact, issuing your EPC, which outlines the current rating and suggestions for improvement.