The ‘A to G’ of EPC
September 20, 2024
Do you actually know how energy efficient your home is? A so-called Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives you powerful knowledge when you are buying, selling or renting out. Homes with higher EPC ratings tend to be more popular with potential buyers and can achieve higher asking prices.
EASY PEASY EPC
First introduced in 2007, EPCs became a legal requirement in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2008 and from 2009 across Scotland.
The document is standardised and can only be prepared by an accredited Energy Assessor. They establish the energy efficiency and environmental impact of a building which is reflected in an overall rating ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
In addition, EPCs show the home’s estimated energy costs for the next three years and it also provides a potential score that could be achieved if recommendations for improved energy efficiency are implemented.
There are two EPC types: domestic and commercial. Anyone who buys or rents a residential property needs a domestic EPC. They are valid for ten years and legally required when a property is built, sold or rented. Sellers and landlords are legally obliged to have an EPC in place for their property, otherwise they could face fines of up to £5,000.
DECODING ‘A TO G’
Every property that’s assessed for an EPC is placed on a colour-coded scale from A to G. A is the most energy-efficient and fuel bill friendly on the scale. Three key factors account for approximately 80% of the EPC rating: your heating system and control, your home’s fuel source and insulation levels. The Energy Assessor measures the amount of energy used per square metre and the level of carbon dioxide emissions in tonnes per year. The lettered grades from A to G work on a numerical basis between 1 and 100, occasionally up to 120, depending on renewable energy measures:
A: 92 points or more – the most efficient properties, leading to lower energy bills
B: 81-91 points – very good energy efficiency, cost savings on utility bills
C: 69-80 points – average energy efficiency, some cost savings on bills
D: 55-68 points – below average energy efficiency but still cost savings on your bills
E: 39-54 points – lower energy efficiency but still cost savings on bills
F: 21-38 points – less efficient and minimal savings available
G: 1-20 points – the least efficient property, generally leading to much higher energy bills
THE CERTIFICATE DETAILS
Here’s what the certificate documents and tells you:
- date of validity;
- certificate number;
- description of the property and total internal size;
- property performance and energy efficiency rating;
- recommendations on how efficiency can be improved;
- current and potential energy costs.
DO I NEED AN EPC?
Since the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) came into force on 1st April 2018, everyone who is selling or letting a property needs a valid EPC, unless the property is listed, in a Conservation Area or otherwise protected. The regulation requires all properties being let or sold in England and Wales to have a minimum EPC rating of E and above.
Note to landlords: proposed changes to MEES standards state that all rental properties require an EPC rating of C or above by 2025. The new regulations will apply to new tenancies, followed by all tenancies by 2028.
HOW DO I GET ONE?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland your EPC must be completed by an accredited Energy Assessor, whereas in Scotland a government-approved organisation may do the assessment. You can search the government’s official EPC Register to find one in your area.
The accredited Energy Assessor will visit your property and will require access to every room, including the loft area, and they will also inspect your heating system. It’s worth shopping around to secure the best price but generally speaking an EPC costs between £60 and £120, depending on the size and location of your property. Once completed, the EPC is valid for ten years from the date it was issued.
WHY BOTHER ABOUT A HIGH EPC RATING?
The more energy-efficient your home is and the higher its EPC rating the better as your home will be cheaper to heat and run, and it contributes to the wellbeing of our environment. A good EPC rating is also great for those looking to sell or buy: those who are looking to sell ideally want to reassure potential buyers that the property won’t need extensive updates and the rating can also help them compare energy bills. On the other hand, EPC ratings can potentially affect mortgage costs as some lenders factor energy efficiency into their decisions. Lower ongoing costs for a new homeowner due to a higher EPC rating may lead to better borrowing terms and even lower interest rates. Every little helps!
CAN I CHECK AN EXISTING EPC?
Head to gov.uk and type ‘Find energy certificate’ followed by your postcode into the search bar. If you get a result and your property has a valid EPC you can download it for free. Your EPC data might be used by the government for research and statistical purposes but you can also opt out by contacting the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Also, should there be anything in your EPC report that you want to query, simply contact the Energy Assessor who completed it.
WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR EPC RATING
Focus on three recommendations from your report that are most likely to lower your energy bills. Heating systems and controls, insulation levels and fuel sources have the biggest impact on your EPC rating, so improving these is key.
Cube has put together a big list of simple everyday actions that you can take as well as some bigger energy-saving suggestions in our blog “An energy MOT for your home.”
Should you decide to make improvements to your home, it’s important to get your EPC updated accordingly. There are many ways to improve your EPC rating with Cube. We consistently receive top ratings from our customers for our end-to-end build and refurbishment services, loft conversions and extensions.
Our award-winning team is virtually just around the corner to book you in for a free initial design consultation: