Find out all about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and how you can improve your home's energy efficiency
What is an Energy Performance Certificate or EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years and shows you how energy efficient a home is. It's key to buying, selling or renting a property as it gives you an idea of:
- Energy bills
- Carbon emissions
- What you can do to improve its energy efficiency
Even if you're not moving, it's worth having a look at your home's EPC to find out what you can do to reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions. Once you've made improvements to your home, make sure to have a new EPC issued. You can access any home's EPC through the government's website.
What is EPC rating?
Your EPC will have two main charts with the rating bands. The bands go from A to G, with A being the best rating your home can have, and G being the worst. In the chart, you can see the current rating and potential rating, if you were to carry out the recommended home improvements.
The numbers in each rating reflect the government's Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and go from 1 to 100 SAP points. These scores are divided into bands as follows:

EPC rating A = 92-100 SAP points (most efficient)
EPC rating B = 81-91 SAP points
EPC rating C = 69-80 SAP points
EPC rating D = 55-68 SAP points
EPC rating E = 39-54 SAP points
EPC rating F = 21-38 SAP points
EPC rating G = 1-20 SAP points (least efficient)
How to improve your EPC rating
Improving your EPC means improving your home's energy efficiency. It also means you could reduce your energy bills, make your home warmer and more comfortable and increase its value and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some of the ways to improve your EPC:
- Double glazing. Upgrading your windows and doors won't just improve your home's energy performance, it can reduce noise too
- Loft insulation. It's easy to install, inexpensive and can make a huge difference to your bills. Install loft insulation that's at least 270mm thick
- Wall insulation. Whether your home has cavity or solid walls, insulating them can improve your EPC rating and you might qualify for help with the costs
- Replace your boiler. You can cut your energy bills with a new, energy-efficient boiler.
- An efficient secondary heating source. Installing a wood-burning stove instead of an open fireplace can give you greater fuel efficiency and reduced costs in the long run.
Solar panels. these produce cheaper, greener energy. See our advice on solar panels for more information.
More information about EPCs
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about energy performance certificates (EPCs).
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