Home energy hub

What is an Energy Performance Certificate rating?

An EPC tells you how much energy a property uses and how efficient it is. The rating ranges from A to G, with A being the most efficient, and G the least.

As well as showing the property’s current rating, the chart will show its potential rating as well. This helps you work out what could be achieved if you carried out any of the suggested works to the property.

What does the EPC rating mean?

Having an A rating means your property uses less energy than those with other ratings. Some properties won’t be able to reach the highest EPC ratings. For example, older properties made of solid stone could be harder to insulate. Some properties may need a new boiler or upgraded windows, which can be expensive. This doesn’t mean that a property’s energy performance won’t benefit from small improvements which are more affordable – see our saving energy tab for details.

What else does an EPC tell me about a property?

An EPC gives you:

• An environmental impact rating
• An estimate of how much energy is used, and how much this could cost
• How to improve the rating
• What the potential rating could be if you made improvements.

When do I need an EPC?

A valid EPC is needed to sell your home or start a new tenancy when you let a property. In Scotland, you must display the EPC somewhere in the property, such as in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.

There are extra rules for landlords in England and Wales. Currently, properties that are let must have an EPC rating of E or above. This may change to a minimum rating of C by 2030. The Government’s planning a change to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) which sets out the EPC rate requirements for letting properties. You can read about this on the UK Government website.

An EPC lasts for ten years from the date of issue. You can use the UK Government website to get an EPC if you need a new one.

Some properties may be ‘exempt’, meaning they don’t need an EPC. This could be because of how it’s used, or whether a building’s listed.

There are also exemptions for privately let properties that don’t meet the minimum requirement of an E rating. Visit guidance on exemptions for details.

How can I find out if a property has an EPC?

You can check the EPC Register to see if a property has an in-date EPC.

• How can I save energy without spending money?

  You don’t always need to spend money to start saving energy. Here’s a list of changes you could make around your home that won’t cost you a penny:

  • Change the layout of a room – move any furniture that’s blocking your radiators. This allows the heat to fill the room better instead of your sofa
  • Turn down your heating – turn the temperature down by one degree or more and lower the temperature of radiators in rooms you don't use that often. Only put your heating on when you need it
  • Switch electronics off by the plug – don’t leave them on standby
  • Turn off your light(s) – when you leave a room
  • Change how you wash clothes – use your washing machine less and on a lower setting. Then hang your washing to dry instead of using your tumble dryer
  • Use a shower to wash – for six minutes or less, rather than have a bath.

  Did this answer your questions?

  Your answer helps us improve our Support Centre

  • Yes
  • No

  Thank you for your feedback!
• What changes can I make so my property uses less energy?

  Switch to energy saving fittings when the time comes

  When you need to, changing fittings and white goods in your property can be a cheaper and a more cost-effective way to save energy and money:

  • Change to LED light bulbs – which use less energy and can last up to ten times longer than standard light bulbs
  • Switch to smart controls – such as lights with passive infrared sensors. These switch on and off when they pick up movement in a room. They’ll stay off when it’s daylight
  • Change to LED light bulbs – which use less energy and can last up to ten times longer than standard light bulbs

   

  Draught-proof your property

  You can reduce heat loss by filling in places where cold air might get into your property. This could be gaps around your doors or windows, or cracks in ceilings and floorboards.

  You can read more about this on the Energy Saving Trust’s guide to draught-proofing your property.  

   

  Replace or upgrade your curtains and windows

  As your property will lose heat through the windows, you could hang thicker curtains. When closed, they can help stop heat from escaping which will keep your home warm. They’ll also make your property cooler when the weather is hot outside.

  A more effective way to keep your property warm is by having double or triple glazed windows and making sure they’re not damaged. These windows keep the heat in and the cold weather out.

  Getting new or replacement windows may cost you more at first, but they could save money on your bills. You must make sure any changes to your windows meet the UK Building Regulation rules. Visit Building Regulations approval for more details.  

   

  Improve how well your property is insulated

  You’ll lose a lot of heat from your property if it doesn't have good insulation. Here are some of the ways you can improve your property:

  • Lay down insulation in your roof
  • Add insulation to solid walls
  • Add floor insulation or put carpets down.

  Whilst these could save you or your tenants money on bills, you may want to check how much you'd save compared with the cost of any changes.  

   

  Upgrade your boiler

  Look at getting an energy efficient boiler if you have an older one that’s coming to the end of its life. This can be expensive, but a good one could save you a lot of money over the long term.

  You may be able to get a grant depending on your circumstances and the type of boiler you upgrade to. Find out more about boiler upgrade scheme today.
   

   

  Solar panels and heat pumps

  Having solar panels or a heat pump is classed as a ‘clean and renewable’ energy source. They take energy or heat from a natural source, such as daylight, air or from underground, and turn it into power. This will reduce your carbon emissions. Solar panels and newer heat pumps may last about 25 years thanks to recent technology. You should think about whether any money you might save on your energy bills is worth the cost of getting them.

  You may be able to apply for a grant to help pay for a heat pump.

  You can also install solar panels or a heat pump by entering a lease with the installer. You’ll need our permission for this to happen.

  Solar panels will need to be fitted by a company that has Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accreditation.  

  Did this answer your questions?

  Your answer helps us improve our Support Centre

  • Yes
  • No

  Thank you for your feedback!
• What should I do next if I want to make any of these changes?

  Contact a trusted contractor that's registered with a Competent Person Scheme. You should check if they’ll deal with any planning approval that you might need. You may be able to make your property more energy efficient at the same time as other home improvements. For example, if you’re planning an extension, loft conversion or other repairs to your property.

  It’s important you keep any paperwork relating to improvements carried out on your property.

  You should always check to see if your property is suitable for any of these upgrades before spending money.

  Did this answer your questions?

  Your answer helps us improve our Support Centre

  • Yes
  • No

  Thank you for your feedback!

Disclaimer

1. These are ideas that might improve your property’s energy efficiency. However, we can’t promise lower bills or a better EPC rating. We’re not responsible if the changes don’t result in lower bills or a better EPC rating. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for your property.
2. It’s your choice to instruct a third party to make changes to your property. We’re not responsible for the changes carried out by you or any third party.
3. This document includes links to other websites. We haven’t verified the information contained on those websites and we’re not responsible for the accuracy or suitability of any information included on those websites.
4. Before making any changes, it’s your responsibility to get all necessary permissions, including planning permission, building regulations, listed building consent (for listed buildings), freeholder approval (for leasehold properties), and insurance company approval.
5. Some changes, such as structural work or installing solar panels or heat pumps, might need our approval. Reference on this hub doesn’t automatically mean that we’ve given our consent to you making these changes. You’ll still be required to contact us for approval in accordance with your mortgage agreement.
6. We’re not responsible for any losses you may suffer from relying on the information in this document. It’s important that you take steps to ensure that any changes you make are suitable for your property and your own circumstances.

• Simple Energy Advice – gives impartial energy advice for properties in England and Wales. This includes work you can get done, grants, and financial support. Visit Home Energy Scotland or NI Direct for other parts of the UK
• Energy Saving Trust – gives advice on how you can save energy. You’ll find tips on insulation, heating, and renewable energy. You can also find details on grants and funding
• Ofgem – gives details on the Energy Company Obligation (ECO). The ECO gives help to people who want to make their homes more energy efficient
• National Insulation Association (NIA) – gives advice on how you can insulate your property. You can also use their search tool to find an accredited insulation installer
• Department for Energy Security and Net Zero – looks after the UK energy policy. You can find out what their plans are about climate change, and how you can save energy and money
• The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) will also help you stay up to date on any legislation changes.