What is an EPC?

What is an EPC, and what does it stand for?

An energy performance certificate, or EPC, is a document that rates your home’s energy efficiency. Providing a rating from A (the best) to G (the worst), it gives you a quick indication of how well the property retains heat and uses energy. 

As well as your rating, your EPC document will also show you:

• A breakdown of your property’s energy performance

• Your property’s environmental impact

• Recommendations for increasing its energy efficiency

• Estimated energy usage and potential savings 

EPCs were rolled out in the UK in 2007 as part of the European Union's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The EPBD aimed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings across Europe and reduce carbon emissions. So, EPCs were a way to standardise how homeowners could understand the energy performance of their properties, and spot ways to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

It’s worth noting that energy performance certificates aren’t the same as energy efficiency ratings, which are the coloured labels found on various home appliances. Energy efficiency ratings give you an idea of a single appliance's running costs and energy consumption, while energy performance certificates refer to a whole property.

Why do you need an EPC?

A better EPC rating not only means your home is more energy efficient, but it also gives you suggestions for how to lower your energy costs in the long run – and what your rating might be if you made those changes. This can be a big plus when the time comes to sell or rent your property, as the promise of lower utility bills might tempt prospective buyers or tenants.

Having an energy performance certificate is sometimes a legal requirement in the UK, such as:

• If you’re selling your home, you need to have a valid EPC to show to potential buyers.

• If you’re renting your home, you must provide prospective tenants with a copy of your EPC before the lease begins. 

• For new-build properties to prove that they meet the latest energy efficiency standards.

If significant structural changes are made to a property that may change its efficiency, a new EPC will be needed

Depending on your rating, you might be entitled to certain government incentives – like the Great British Insulation Scheme, which offers support to homes rated D-G – which could save you more money.

Are there any exemptions to having an EPC?

Yes, there are a few exceptions where it isn’t a legal requirement to have an EPC:

• Some listed buildings, due to concerns that energy efficiency improvements might impact their character.

• Temporary buildings that will be used for less than two years.

• Residential buildings that are used less than four months of the year.

• Industrial sites, workshops, and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand.

What are the EPC ratings?

Understanding the rating system is key to managing your property’s energy use and expenses. Each EPC provides a grade from one of seven categories, ranging from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient, and G the least.

Here’s a breakdown of them in more detail:

How to get an energy performance certificate

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, energy performance certificates are issued by accredited domestic energy assessors (DEA). So, to get an EPC, you’ll first need to find an assessor to review your home’s energy efficiency.

The easiest way to find a DEA is to use the gov.uk website’s find an assessor tool.

Once you’ve chosen an assessor and arranged for them to visit your home, they will complete a thorough evaluation to measure the property’s energy efficiency and reveal where energy is being lost. This usually includes reviewing insulation, boiler and heating systems, and windows in all rooms and spaces. The age and construction of your home are also factored into the overall rating.

Domestic assessments usually take between 45 minutes and 2 hours, but it depends on the size of your property.

Later, the assessor will calculate your home’s energy efficiency and issue your EPC via an online link. Along with a grade, the EPC will also include estimated energy costs for your home, providing a valuable overview of how you could reduce your energy bills.

If you live in Scotland, only a select number of government-approved organisations can issue EPCs. You can find the full list of approved EPC organisations on the Scottish EPC Register here.

How long does an EPC last?

An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date that it’s issued. This means you can use the same certificate for multiple sales or rentals, provided it’s within 10 years of the issue date. However, if you make significant energy-related improvements to your property, it might be helpful to get a new EPC to reflect these changes.

How can I improve my EPC rating?

Improving your home’s EPC rating not only boosts your property's market appeal and value, but can also decrease energy costs.

Here are some effective ways to enhance your property's energy efficiency:

• Insulation : Upgrading insulation in the walls, loft, heating tanks, and hot water pipes of your home is one of the best ways to retain heat and reduce energy loss.

• Heating : Old and inefficient boilers can drag down your EPC rating. Consider getting yours serviced regularly or replacing them with a newer, more energy-efficient model. Little things like bleeding your radiators can also make a difference.

• Energy-efficient lighting : Switching to LED bulbs throughout your property can reduce your energy consumption for lighting by up to 75% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

• Upgrade to a smart meter : While smart meters might not directly help bring your EPC rating down, they can help you monitor your energy usage so you can see where gas or electricity is being wasted. Then, you can take steps to improve these areas.
  Upgrade to a smart meter for free with UW.

• Switch to efficient appliances : Not all household appliances are made equal, and some use more electricity and gas than others. Review the energy label on your appliances and consider switching to more energy-efficient models.

Save on your energy bills with UW

When you switch to UW, you can unlock even more savings on your monthly bills by bundling your energy with our great value broadband, mobile, and insurance deals.

You can also read more energy guides for the latest guidance and tips.