What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal document required whenever you sell or rent a home in the UK, providing a snapshot of the property’s energy efficiency. For homes, this report is known as a Domestic EPC, while businesses require a Non-Domestic EPC.

An EPC offers value for both sides of a transaction. For sellers and landlords, following its recommendations can enhance the property’s energy score, increasing appeal and potentially its value. For buyers and tenants, the EPC highlights expected running costs and environmental impact, supporting well-informed decisions.

A Domestic EPC report includes:

• Overview: The essential energy rating and score of the property.
• Breakdown: Performance ratings of six key elements—walls, floor, roof, heating, hot water, and lighting.
• Estimated Running Costs: An estimate of the property’s energy expenses based on its current efficiency.
• Environmental Impact: Shows the property’s carbon footprint.
• Recommendations: Personalised tips to help improve the EPC rating.

The EPC score is calculated by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor following a quick assessment of the property.

Importance of EPCs

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) was brought in to reduce carbon emissions from the UK’s housing stock as part of the government’s ‘Net Zero by 2050’ plan. As a result there are strict rules around its use and requirements.

You need an EPC when selling or renting a property as estate agents need it to market the property, solicitors need it to process a sale and tenants can’t be evicted without one.

For landlords the EPC must meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) which is currently Band E. Properties below a Band E cannot be let out.

You don’t need an EPC to sell a property but some mortgage lenders are now considering the rating as part of their lending criteria. Many are enforcing their own minimum standard around Band E and some even offer discounted rates for properties with higher EPC bands.

Improving your EPC rating will make your property more attractive to buyers or tenants may increase its marketability and value.

How to Get an EPC?

You'll need a Domestic Energy Assessor to get an EPC.

This is us! We cover Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool and everywhere in between. Book an EPC online, call on 01925 699 321 or send us an email to book.

If you're outside our service area, you can search the official government database of qualified and accredited assessors.

During the EPC assessment, which takes just 15-20 minutes, we’ll inspect key elements of your home, including:

• Insulation levels
• Window type and age
• Heating and its controls
• Hot water system
• Lighting
• Construction details

Once gathered, we use this information to calculate your EPC score. This is done on the same day as your assessment and you'll receive your energy certificate by email.

Understanding The EPC Ratings

EPC ratings range from Band A (Most Efficient) to Band G (Least Efficient). On the domestic EPC, a total of 100 points are available—the more points you get, the higher your score. For instance, a Band C property falls within the range of 69-80 points.

During the assessment, items like energy saving light bulbs, hot water cylinder insulation or a programable thermostat may boost your score by a few points each.

Let's take a look at what the bandings mean in practice:

• Band A & B: Reserved for the most energy efficient properties. New builds fall into these bandings as well as some older properties with enhancements like solar panels.
• Band C & D: These are the most common bandings we see. These properties usually have some insulation and a newer boiler.
• Band E, F & G: These are the homes that need a bit of work to make them efficient and reduce running costs. They will not have as much appeal on the market as the other bandings.

Band D is the average EPC score in the UK, but two other bands are important too:

• Band E, which is the current minimum standard for rented properties and the preferred minimum for lenders
• Band C, which is likely to become the next legal minimum standard for renting.

Improve Your EPC Rating

To improve your EPC rating, start by reviewing your current certificate. It contains tailored recommendations specific to your property.

The two main areas on the EPC that have the largest effect on your score are:

• Insulation: Proper insulation stops energy from being wasted. Consider cavity wall insulation, or for solid walls, internal or external insulation.. Most lofts can be easily insulated too. The current building regulation is 270mm.
• Heating Efficiency: Heating costs play a major role in your EPC rating. Gas boilers are generally more efficient than electric systems, especially modern models.

To maximise your score, consider the smaller points too. These are:

• Efficient light bulbs
• Heating controls
• Windows
• Water heating

While you can’t change certain structural aspects, like wall type or number of external walls, there’s usually room for improvement within these areas.

If you’re making upgrades, keep records—certificates, invoices, and photos of hidden work (like insulation). This documentation helps ensure your assessor can accurately record all improvements on your EPC. If your assessor cannot evidence an upgrade, we cannot include it on your EPC.

Conclusion: Get The Most Out Of Your EPC

Although it is a legal requirement, the EPC is more than just a box ticking exercise. It's a tool you can use not only to increase your homes efficiency, but also increase its market appeal and potential, its value. Sellers, landlords, buyers and tenants can all use the EPC and the information within it to make better, more informed decisions.

Still got questions? Take a look at our EPC FAQ section where we answer lots of common questions. Ready to get started? Book an EPC online or give us a call on 01925 699 321.