An EPC considers things like insulation, heating systems and windows to rate the energy efficiency of a property. The rating system uses colour-coded labels from A (best) to G (worst), similar to those on new home appliances.
The colour-coded EPC grading scale (A to G), with an example of a C grade rating. EPCs normally show your home's current grading, and the potential grading you could have, if you make energy improvements which are included in the EPC assessment certificate. When EPCs are updated, they are likely to include separate ratings for:
the fabric of the building (walls, windows, roofs, floors) the way heat is produced (using fossil fuels, or more efficiently using clean electricity) smart capability (features like smart meters and smart radiator valves) Read in detail about the new metrics
These changes may affect the outcome of an EPC assessment, and make it more likely that carefully considered energy efficiency improvements, or retrofits, could deliver a better overall EPC rating.
When you need an EPC Selling or renting If you are a homeowner selling your property, or a landlord renting it out, you have to provide a current EPC. This provides essential information for any prospective buyers or tenants about how easy it will be, and what it will cost, to keep the property warm.
Once you have your EPC, it's valid for 10 years (although your rating may change if you make changes to the property, or under upcoming changes in regulations on how EPCs are assessed).
Retrofitting Your property's current EPC rating may affect support you can get for home energy improvements, or the kind of retrofits which are most suitable. For example:
Some government schemes, such as Bright Green Homes Some home improvements, such as fitting a new heat pump , offer bigger energy efficiency improvements if the fabric of your home is already at EPC rating C or above. If you go ahead with home energy efficiency improvements , it's a good idea to get a new EPC assessment, to measure their impact.
Find out more If you want to find out more detail, you can visit the GOV.UK website to:
