If you’ve ever rented, bought or sold a property in the UK, chances are you’ve heard the term EPC thrown around. But what exactly is an EPC, why does it matter, and how does it affect you as a tenant, homeowner or landlord?
Let’s break it down.
What does EPC stand for?
EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. It’s a document that rates the energy efficiency of your property on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Think of it like a report card for your home’s energy use – offering insights into how much energy your property uses, how costly it is to run, and what its environmental impact is in terms of carbon emissions.
Why are EPCs important?
EPCs help people make informed decisions when choosing a property. A more energy-efficient home can mean:
- Lower energy bills
- Less impact on the environment
- A more comfortable living space
For tenants and buyers, it can predict potential running costs and identify where improvements might be needed.
For landlords and sellers, a good EPC rating can increase property value and appeal.
When do you need an EPC?
You need a valid EPC:
- When renting out a property
- When selling a property
- For certain types of government funding or grants
- For public buildings over a certain size
In the UK, an EPC is valid for 10 years, and it’s a legal requirement to have a valid one already in place before marketing a property for sale or rent.
What’s included in an EPC?
The certificate contains:
- The property’s current energy efficiency rating
- The potential rating (if recommended improvements are made)
- Suggestions for how to improve the rating – like upgrading the insulation, installing double glazing, or switching to a more efficient boiler system
- Estimated energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water
Who Provides an EPC?
EPCs must be carried out by a qualified professional known as a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA). These are accredited individuals trained to assess residential properties and produce legally compliant Energy Performance Certificates.
A DEA will typically:
- Visit the property in person to perform an inspection
- Assess factors like insulation, heating systems, ventilation, window glazing, and the building’s materials
- Enter the data they collect into government-approved software to generate the EPC, to avoid bias
You can find a certified DEA through the official government register or ask your estate agent or letting agent for a recommended provider. Prices can vary depending on location and property size, but typically range from £50 to £120.
Future Changes to EPC Regulations
The UK government is increasingly focused on energy efficiency as part of its climate goals. Current proposed legislation may require all new tenancies to have an EPC rating of C or above by 2030, with gradual steps in the years ahead. This means that, presently, landlords are planning ahead for potentially legally required upgrades.
How can you improve your EPC Rating?
Some common upgrades that boost your EPC rating include:
- Installing loft or wall insulation
- Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors
- Switching to a condensing boiler or a renewable energy source
- Adding hot water cylinder insulation
- Using smart heating controls and low-energy LEDs
While some of these improvements can be costly upfront, they often pay off over time through lower energy bills and improved comfort.
An EPC isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s a valuable tool for understanding your home’s energy use and making it greener, cheaper to run, and more sustainable. Whether you’re buying, selling, letting, or renting, paying attention to an EPC can help you make smarter, more eco-conscious decisions. Ensuring you have an accredited, qualified individual, such as a Domestic Energy Assessor, to perform them is also crucial.
Interested in becoming a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)?
If you’d like to become a Domestic Energy Assessor, you can find out more about The Retrofit Academy’s upcoming Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Energy Assessment by clicking the link below.