EPC Certificates in the UK - 47 Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to our blog on EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating certificates. If you’re a homeowner, tenant, or landlord, you need to know what an EPC rating is and the process that comes with it. In this blog we’ve answered 47 of the most frequently asked and Googled questions about EPCs, providing you with a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know.
Find out what an EPC rating is, what can be done to improve yours, how it’s calculated, who would carry yours out, and much more!
What is an EPC rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a measure of the energy efficiency of a property, rated on a scale from A to G. It provides information about the energy usage of a property and how it impacts the environment. An EPC report includes recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of a property.
How long does an EPC rating last?
An EPC rating is valid for ten years, after which time you must get another assessment taken to renew your certificate. If any changes are made to a property, your EPC rating may be updated. A new assessment must take place to have an officially updated rating.
How is an EPC rating calculated?
An EPC rating is calculated by taking into account many factors. This includes a property’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting systems, appliances and more. This could also include your boiler type, solar panels, usage of heat pumps and other low/zero-carbon appliances. The assessment must be carried out by a qualified and UK-accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA).
What is the average EPC rating in the UK?
In the UK, the average EPC rating is currently a D, which means that on average, properties scored between 55 to 68 points on the assessment. This leaves significant room for improvement in terms of the energy efficiency of a home. Properties with a D EPC rating are considered to have poor energy efficiency.
Can you improve your EPC rating?
It’s possible to improve your EPC rating, and this can be done in many ways. Typical upgrades that can improve your energy efficiency rating include installing insulation, upgrading your heating or cooling system, installing energy-efficient appliances, upgrading to a heat pump, installing an EV charger and more.
What is the minimum EPC rating for a rental property?
As of April 2020, the minimum allowed EPC rating for a rental property as it stands is an EPC E, unless the property is exempt. Landlords who do not meet this minimum standard can face financial penalties. After discussions in late 2022, the government of England and Wales also stated that all rental properties must be an EPC rating of C or above by 2028.
What happens if my property fails an EPC assessment?
It is unlikely that a home will fail an EPC assessment, especially if requested by the owner. However, upon failure, a report outlining the issues with your property will be filed, including opportunities for improvement. There is no legal requirement to carry out any recommendations, and if you own the home, the EPC property rating is not under any legal obligation to be improved by the homeowner (unless you are selling the house in which case you must comply and get an EPC rating assessment.)
How much does an EPC assessment cost?
The price of an EPC rating can vary depending on the size and location of your property, as well as the assessor carrying out the assessment, as pricing may vary between companies. In the UK, an EPC assessment typically costs £50-£120 but can cost more due to the reasons stated above.
Who can carry out an EPC assessment?
An EPC assessment must be undertaken and carried out by a qualified, experienced, and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). A DEA is a trained professional who has great experience in determining the energy performance of a property, so their advice and rating are to be trusted.
How long does an EPC assessment take?
An EPC assessment can vary in the time it takes due to property size. On average an EPC check takes between 45 minutes to 2 hours. This assessment includes an inspection of the property and a data recording for your report filled in by the assessor.
Do I need an EPC for my commercial property?
Yes. It is a legal requirement in the UK to have an EPC assessment for your commercial property. The requirements for commercial EPCs are different to residential EPCs and must be carried out by a qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA).
How can I find out the EPC rating of a property?
If you have purchased or just moved into a property, you can find out the EPC rating by searching for it on the EPC register. This is a government-run website that keeps information on all EPC ratings in the UK. You can also request a copy of your EPC certificate. Search for your property online and find the EPC for it here.
How can I improve my EPC rating without spending too much money?
There are several ways you can aim to improve your energy efficiency without spending too much money. Some of these initiatives include switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, draught-proofing your home (mainly doors and windows), and insulating hot water tanks with pipe and tank covers. These measures are relatively inexpensive and can help you move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient home.
Can I sell my property without an EPC rating?
When selling your property it is a legal requirement to have a valid EPC rating. This is also the case if you are not selling the property but plan to rent it out. Failure to have a valid EPC certificate when selling or renting out your property can cause you to be fined, even to the extent of a fine per marketing listing of your property. I.e if your property is listed on 4 housing websites without an EPC, you could be fined 4 times for the same offence.
Can I get an EPC rating for a new build property?
Yes, you can get an EPC rating done on a new property. This should have already been completed for you during the construction phase of the property and presented to you upon completion as it would be if you purchased an older house with a valid certificate.
What is the difference between an SAP rating and an EPC rating?
A SAP, which stands for Standard Assessment Procedure, is similar to an EPC but is a calculation used for building regulations and being compliant during the construction phase for energy efficiency. An EPC on the other hand also measures the efficiency of the property but is often done when buying, selling, and renting. Both ratings are very similar but have different purposes.
What is a Green Deal Assessment?
A green deal assessment is an assessment of a property's energy efficiency that recommends optional improvement works. The assessment is carried out by a qualified and accredited Green Deal Assessor and can provide access to funding for energy efficiency improvements. You may be eligible for a loan to complete the Green Deal suggestions, but this will have to be paid back.
How do I find a qualified and accredited Domestic Energy Assessor?
You can find a DEA that is accredited on the Government’s list of approved assessors. There is also a range of comparison websites and agencies that can complete your EPC assessment.
How do I know if my property is exempt from minimum EPC requirements?
There are several exemptions for minimum EPC ratings, including but not limited to:
Listed buildings - If your property is a listed building, you may be exempt from having an EPC rating
Temporary buildings - If your property is intended to be in use for two years or less, you may not be required to get an EPC rating
Low energy-demand buildings - If your building has a total useful floor area of 50 metres squared, or is not heated/cooled you may also be exempt
Industrial sites, workshops, or nonresidential buildings may also be exempt
A qualified and accredited DEA can advise on whether a property is exempt.
What is the difference between an EPC rating and a DEC rating?
A DEC rating or Display Energy Certificate is a measure of the actual energy usage of a public building. Depending on the floor size of the building, these ratings can be valid for one year or ten years. These ratings run from an A rating to a G rating. These are a requirement for public buildings with a floor size of 250m2.
How can I appeal an EPC rating?
If you believe that your EPC might be incorrect or an unfair reflection of your property, you can appeal it. The first step you have to take is to contact the company that you used for assessment to discuss the concerns you have. If any issues raised can’t be resolved, you can escalate your complaint to the accreditation scheme your assessor was accredited with.
Do EPC ratings affect house prices?
Yes. Research has shown that Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can affect house prices in the UK. A higher EPC rating can be seen as a positive for a property, due to it likely meaning lower energy bills and lower cost to live in. This may make the property more attractive to potential buyers, essentially adding value. This is also coupled with the fact that many properties are below an EPC C rating, which will soon mean that they cannot be rented in the UK (as mentioned above, by 2028 all rentals should be a C rating or higher.)
Can I challenge a poor EPC rating?
If you do not plan to appeal as mentioned above, you can challenge the rating by making further improvements to your property and requesting another EPC assessment.
What is the difference between an EPC and a Home Energy Report?
A Home Energy Report (HER) is a document that again ranks your energy efficiency from A to G. It differs from an EPC rating as it is more detailed, and proves a more comprehensive analysis of your property performance. This normally includes water usage, carbon emissions, and more. This is normally carried out by a qualified energy assessor. A Home Energy Report is not mandatory in the UK, unlike an EPC.
Do I need an EPC rating if I am just renting a room in a property?
If you are simply renting a room, an EPC rating is not required. This is something that your landlord must complete for the entire property, not individual rooms.
How long is an EPC rating valid for?
An EPC rating is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If your property already has an EPC when you purchase it, there is no need to get a new one completed. If you are planning to sell or rent out your property, you must have an EPC assessment take place by UK law. It is worth noting that if you make significant changes to your property in this time, you could get another EPC assessment done. Installing a new heating system for example could help improve your rating significantly.
Can I view the EPC rating of a property before viewing it in person?
Yes. You can view a property’s EPC rating on the government's website which holds all of the EPC ratings of homes in the UK.
How do I obtain an EPC rating for a commercial property?
You can obtain an EPC rating for a commercial building from a qualified Non-Domestic Energy Assessor. This is different from a residential assessor. The assessment process is similar to that of a residential property, but the calculations and requirements are different.
What is the difference between an EPC rating and a MEES rating?
A MEES, or Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard, sets the minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties. This affects any property that is domestic private and rented, that is let on specific tenancy agreements and is legally required to have an EPC. The MEES makes it a legal requirement to have at least an EPC E rating for a rental property. This excludes some housing, including social housing.
Do I need an EPC rating for a listed building?
Listed buildings are exempt from minimum EPC requirements, but an EPC rating may still be required if the property is sold or rented out. In some cases, exemptions may apply.
Can I get an EPC rating for a property outside of the UK?
EPC ratings are specific to the UK, and aren’t completed on properties outside of the UK. Other countries may have similar ratings for efficiencies, but these may use different calculations for EPCs, therefore they are not the same.
Do I need an EPC rating for a holiday let property?
Yes. If your property is let for holiday purposes in the UK for more than four months a year, you are required by law to have an EPC certificate. This includes properties booked out through Airbnb and other similar property management platforms.
What is the penalty for not having an EPC rating?
The fine and penalties for not having an EPC rating can differ depending on personal circumstances. For residential properties, penalties can be up to £5,000 for a landlord, or the person who is responsible for selling or letting out the property in question. For commercial properties, fines can be up to 12.5% of the rateable value of the property, with a minimum fine of £500 and a maximum penalty of £5,000.
Can an EPC rating be transferred to a new owner or tenant?
Yes. EPCs can be transferred to a new owner as long as it is still valid and in date. The new owner will get a copy of the EPC certificate after the completion of the sale.
Can I get financial assistance to make energy efficiency improvements to my property?
Yes. There are several assistance schemes for EPC ratings and making improvements from the report. These include the Green House Grant, which offers up to £5,000 in vouchers for improvements, and the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which helps with insulation and heating improvements for low-income housing.
Can an EV charger improve my EPC rating?
Yes. Installing an EV charger for an electric vehicle can potentially improve your energy performance certificate (EPC) rating. This is mainly due to your EV charger being considered a renewable technology that can contribute to reducing your carbon emissions. The overall impact of your charger on your EPC rating will depend on the charger type.
How much do solar panels improve an EPC rating?
Solar panels can have a significant impact on your EPC certificate rating. The reason for this is that they are seen as a renewable technology that can contribute to a reduction in the carbon footprint of your home. It is difficult to put an exact number on how solar panels can improve your EPC rating, as it will depend on the size of your panels, the orientation of the panels, and how this energy is used in combination with your home’s already established energy efficiency. Generally, installing solar panels can improve your EPC rating by several points.
Do flats require an EPC rating?
Yes. Flats do need an EPC rating, much like other types of residential and commercial properties. This is most important whenever they are sold, rented or constructed.
What are the numerical ratings for each EPC level?
EPC ratings are often given a letter grade to signify which band the property is in, but each letter rating also has a banding of numbers. You can see a breakdown of the numerical bandings below:
A: 92-100
B: 81-91
C: 69-80
D: 55-68
E: 39-54
F: 21-38
G: 1-20
What is a good EPC rating?
An EPC rating of C or higher seems to be considered good in the UK. This EPC rating indicates that the property is relatively energy-efficient and has lower carbon emissions than most homes. Moving above a C level of EPC rating can be difficult.
How many homes in the UK have an EPC A rating?
According to the latest available data released by the UK Government, only 1% of UK homes have an A EPC rating. This percentage is higher in Scotland, landing at around 3%. These low figures show the huge potential for improvement in EPC ratings and energy efficiency in the UK, helping homes to reduce their carbon footprint.
How difficult is it to get an EPC A rating?
Achieving an EPC rating of A can be very challenging for UK homeowners. This would require a very high energy efficiency rating and a very low amount of carbon emissions. Most people that have an EPC A rating have taken measures such as improving their insulation level and type of insulation, adding renewable energy sources to their home including heat pumps and solar panels, reducing energy consumption through lighting, upgrading heating and cooling systems and more.
Why is my EPC rating so low?
There is a range of reasons why your EPC rating could be on the low side. This could include having old or outdated heating systems, poor or no insulation, inefficient appliances or lighting, or most commonly, structural issues with the property which can be expensive to fix. Getting an EPC report completed will be able to highlight why you have a low energy efficiency rating and will give you tips on how to improve it.
Do Gas or Electric Boilers have a better EPC rating?
This is an interesting question as it can depend on many different factors. Gas boilers tend to be more efficient, converting 90% of the fuel they consume into energy. That said, when it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, an electric boiler is the better choice. So how does this work, when one option is more efficient, and the other is more environmentally friendly? Generally speaking, an electric boiler is a better alternative for EPC, and this can be improved further if the electricity used for the boiler is created from renewable sources!
How much can heat pumps improve an EPC rating?
Heat Pumps can have a significant impact on EPC ratings as they are deemed a renewable source of energy. The exact improvement will depend on the size and type of the heat pump, as well as the heating system it was replacing. Generally speaking, if part of a wider de-carb effort, a heat pump could put you up one or two bands on the EPC scale if previously you had a below-average rating.
Do different heat pumps affect EPC ratings differently?
Yes, different heat pumps can affect your EPC rating. This is mainly because they have different levels of emissions and energy efficiency. An example of this is that air-source heat pumps tend to be less efficient than ground-source heat pumps. The specific effect it can have on your EPC performance will vary, and can be explained by your EPC assessor.
Do different types of insulation affect EPC ratings differently?
Yes, different insulation types can have different effects on your EPC performance. Each has a different thermal performance, for example, cavity wall insulation is more effective at reducing heat loss.
The different types of insulation are listed below alongside how they impact EPC ratings:
Loft insulation: The most cost-effective option and efficient way to improve your EPC. Insulation of this type reduces heat loss and keeps your home warmer in the winter
Cavity wall insulation: If your home has a cavity wall, then this type of insulation can help you reduce heat loss and therefore improve your EPC rating
Solid wall insulation: Installing a layer of insulation on the inside or outside of your walls can help with EPC ratings, as it can help by improving your energy efficiency
Floor Insulation: Insulating your floors can help to reduce heat loss through the ground and improve your EPC rating. This is particularly important if your home has suspended timber floors
Read more on energy efficiency and zero-carb initiatives on the Kantan blog.
