What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legally valid document which provides an energy efficiency rating (displayed on an A-G scale) in relation to a property’s running costs. This rating will take into account the potential energy performance of the property itself (the fabric) and its services (heating, lighting, hot water etc).

In addition to this, the EPC document will also show:

✅ A breakdown of a property’s energy performance.
✅ Its environmental impact.
✅ Recommendations for improvements.
✅ Estimated energy use alongside potential savings.

Not all properties are used in the same way. The energy efficiency rating uses ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (typically 2 adults and 2 children) which may be very different from the way in which occupiers actually use things like heating and lighting within their property.

When Do I Need An EPC?

An EPC is required in the UK whenever a property is marketed for sale or rent or is newly built. The EPC is valid for 10 years or until a newer EPC is produced for the same property. It is recommended that a property’s EPC should be made available to potential buyers as soon as it is marketed for sale or rent.

Where Do I Find An Existing EPC?

To find an existing EPC for a property, search its postcode on the following sites:

House model on architectural plans with energy efficiency rating chart from A to G.

How Do I Read An EPC?

What you see on an EPC will differ depending on where you are in the country and whether it is an existing or new build property. EPCs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are fully displayed online, whereas EPCs in Scotland are distributed as PDFs.

Towards the end or back of the EPC, you will see the Energy Assessors full details, including their name, contact information and the name of the scheme they are accredited with. If you have any questions regarding the content of your EPC, please contact the Energy Assessor directly in the first instance.

What information does the EPC display?

All EPCs will display basic information about the property, such as the address, property type and floor area. In addition to this, you may find:

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The Energy Efficiency Rating
The Energy Efficiency Rating

The energy efficiency rating will be displayed on an A to G scale. The least efficient buildings will be rated G and the most efficient will be rated A.

As well as a current rating for the property, a potential rating will also be shown, which is the energy efficiency rating after all recommendations have been applied to the property.

For England, Wales and Northern Ireland the current EPC rating will be shown at the top of the EPC.

The rating is actually based on cost factors such as the type of fuel used for heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation.

Currently if the property uses main gas it will score higher on the energy efficiency rating than a property which uses electricity. This is due to mains gas being cheaper per p/kWh than electricity.

Breakdown of a Property’s Energy Performance
Breakdown of a Property’s Energy Performance

The EPC will breakdown each building feature/element (Walls, Windows, Hot water) in terms of its energy performance, it does not consider the actual working condition of the feature.

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the scale moves from very good (most efficient) to very poor (least efficient), and is calculated from the energy efficiency cost rating and the environment (CO2) rating.

In Scotland however, each feature is scored out of 5 stars for its energy performance and environmental impact.

No rating is given for floors and secondary heating systems. Different descriptions will also be given for new build properties.

Environmental Impact of the Property
Environmental Impact of the Property

As with the energy efficiency rating, the environmental impact of the property is shown as an A to G rating.

This is once again based on assumptions about average occupancy and energy use. They may not reflect how energy is consumed by the people living in the property.

You can also draw comparisons with other households here and see the property’s potential production of CO2 following recommendations (this is shown as a rating for Scotland)

Recommendations / Actions for Improvement
Recommendations / Actions for Improvement

You will be provided with a list of recommendations/recommended measures for improving the property’s energy performance.

The indicative cost (Scotland) or typical installation cost is based on average installation prices so may not be representative of the actual cost in your area.

The recommendations provided are cumulative meaning that they should be installed in the order they appear on the EPC to achieve the potential energy efficiency rating. Should you choose not to follow the order they appear in, the potential energy efficiency rating may change.

Scotland’s EPC will also show how recommendations will impact the environment rating after improvement.

Estimated Energy Use and Potential Savings
Estimated Energy Use and Potential Savings

The estimated energy cost for the property shows how much the average household would spend in this property for heating, lighting and hot water. It is not based on how energy is used by the people living at the property.

Once again the potential saving is based on recommended measures being implemented.

Scotland Domestic EPCs will show the average and potential cost for heating, lighting and hot water over a 3 year period rather than yearly.

Also linked to this section is the heating use (or heat demand) in the property which shows the estimated energy use in kWh (Kilowatt hours) per year.

How do I Improve My EPC Rating?

Reducing your EPC rating is a great way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills. Recommendations for your property are shown on the EPC itself. However, common improvements include:

  • Installing insulation (in walls and/or loft)

  • Replacing your boiler

  • Installing solar panels

  • Upgrading to double glazed windows

The recommendations for improving an EPC rating will differ from property to property, as it’s dependent on a number of factors, including your property’s age, existing instalments, and build type.

For an up-to-date EPC, which will provide bespoke recommendations for your property, contact us today

Three people sitting on a couch using electronic devices, beneath a "Save Energy" sign with icons for power, battery, fast-forward, plug, and lightning.