All you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
Key points
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), influencing potential energy costs and environmental impacts
EPCs are legally required when selling or renting properties in the UK, providing essential information on energy performance to prospective buyers or tenants
Properties with higher EPC ratings mean lower energy costs and attract higher market values, while improvements recommended by EPC assessments can enhance energy efficiency, lower your gas and electricity bills, and reduce carbon emissions
What are Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)?
An Energy Performance Certificate, or EPC, measures a property's energy efficiency. It provides a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
This certificate is important, especially if you're selling your home, as it indicates potential energy costs and includes details of the property, such as insulation, heating systems, and windows.
Recommendations are given to improve a property’s energy usage. The idea behind them is to help homeowners or tenants to reduce the cost of bills and to lower carbon emissions as well.
If you’re a landlord, then you need an EPCs before renting out your property, while anyone selling a property must ensure they have an EPC secured. This ensures that prospective buyers and tenants know the energy performance of a property before deciding whether to purchase or rent it.
Properties with better EPC ratings tend to attract higher market values and more buyer interest.
What does an EPC include?
You’ll find details on how much average energy costs will be over three years, as well as details on how much you can save. This includes a breakdown of costs for lighting, heating and hot water.
You’ll be given a rating for your property as it is now, as well as a potential rating if you take the actions which are recommended in the document.
There are also star ratings out of five for Energy Efficiency across numerous factors, as well as recommendations on specific work that could benefit your home in the long term.
How to read an EPC
When you receive a copy of your EPC, you’ll see a graph named ‘Energy Efficiency Rating’. This runs from A at the top to G at the bottom, with dark green meaning A and red meaning G.
An A rating means your property has scored more than 92 in the assessor’s ranking, G means it has scored 1-20. The higher the score, the more energy efficient your home.
Next to this you’ll find a current rating, which gives your property a score out of 100 based on its efficiency right now.
Adjacent to this you’ll find a potential score if you follow all of the recommended measures, laid out on page 3 of the document alongside the cost of each action.
The Top Actions section, on page one, lays out the best things you can do immediately in order to boost energy efficiency.
How to get an EPC rating
Getting hold of an EPC for your property is straightforward:
If you need to buy a new EPC in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, then the best place to start is the government website. It will inform you on what kind of assessor you need, based on the kind of property you require an EPC for.
The process typically involves filling out an online form and scheduling a visit. Shortly after, you'll receive your EPC electronically.
This is a relatively quick and easy way to get an EPC rating at any time without arranging a face-to-face meeting. Online applications are often faster than in-person ones.
In Scotland, the process is slightly different. Follow the instructions on the Scottish EPC Register website, run by the Energy Saving Trust.
Your property may already have an EPC certificate, as they are valid for 10 years. You can easily find one on the government website.
How to purchase an EPC rating
Scottish applications
How to find an EPC rating online
How much does an EPC cost?
EPC prices range from £60 to £120, depending on its size, age and location. If there are lots of assessors near where you are, then it’s likely prices may be lower. It’s best to check directly with an assessor and get a few quotes before booking a visit.
What can I do with an EPC?
As a homeowner Once you get your EPC, the recommendations made can help you make your home more energy efficient. This could include boiler and central heating upgrades, draught proofing and insulation or installing double or triple glazed windows.
It may also point you towards green schemes and government backed funds for the likes of heat pumps and solar energy, so you can further boost your energy independence and lower your carbon emissions.
As a landlord Landlords can use the EPC to carry out the same upgrades as homeowners. Not only will this lower bills for tenants, it will also help future proof your property and mitigate against having to carry out running repairs.
How long are EPCs valid for?
EPCs are valid for 10 years. That means that you do not need to get a new one unless you have carried out major works which could impact the energy- efficiency of your home. However, certain events might prompt the need for a fresh assessment.
Substantial modifications like extensions or major renovations require a new EPC too. This new certificate accurately reflects the property's current energy efficiency. If a property owner wishes to improve the energy rating before selling or renting, they may opt to renew the EPC earlier.
The renewal process involves commissioning a certified assessor. This assessor evaluates the property and issues a new certificate. This step is crucial for maintaining an up-to-date record of the property's energy performance. It can influence potential buyers' or renters' decisions.
Are any properties exempt from requiring EPCs?
Yes, some are exempt in specific cases, but it’s important to check directly with an assessor first. These include:
Listed buildings - these are sometimes exempt due to historical significance. They do not need an EPC when sold or rented
Temporary structures planned for use under two years
Places of worship and other religious premises
Industrial sites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand
Stand-alone buildings with less than 50 square metres of floor space
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