Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

An EPC tells you how energy efficient your property is, giving it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). It’s based on information that’s collected during an on-site building survey. It also tells you where to improve and even estimates the savings you could make when the suggested changes are made. EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Examples of what an EPC could show:

• Current and predicted energy use across your heating, hot water and lighting systems
• A rating of your property’s insulation, heating, hot water system and lighting
• How to improve your rating and how much a specific improvement, like insulation of a suspended floor, could help you save each year.

Property owners can get an EPC from an accredited domestic energy assessor who will survey the property and produce the EPC. You can also find existing certificates on gov.uk.

Homeowners
A good EPC could mean savings on energy bills. It can also give guidance on making improvements to your home (e.g. adding insulation or replacing single glazed windows with double glazed windows) to help improve its overall energy efficiency. If you’re selling or renting your home, you’ll legally need to have a valid EPC available for buyers or tenants.

Landlords
If you’re letting your property in England or Wales, it must have an EPC rating of ‘E’ or above to be rented or sold. This is due to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations. If you’re letting your property in Scotland, it must have an EPC rating of ‘D’ or above.

Tenants
If you’re thinking about renting a property, check its EPC. It’ll help to estimate the cost of heating and hot water, which you could use to compare energy efficiency across different properties. Your landlord is legally required to provide an EPC.