What is an EPC?
A plain-English guide to Energy Performance Certificates
What an EPC is
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a standardised assessment of how energy-efficient a property is. It rates your home on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and gives a numerical score from 1 to 100. EPCs are issued by accredited domestic energy assessors and are required by law when selling or renting a property in England and Wales.
The A–G scale explained
Each band covers a range of efficiency scores. Higher scores mean lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
| Rating | Score range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| A | 92–100 | Highly efficient — very low energy bills |
| B | 81–91 | Very efficient — well above average |
| C | 69–80 | Good — around or above average |
| D | 55–68 | Below average — room for improvement |
| E | 39–54 | Poor — higher bills, harder to heat |
| F | 21–38 | Very poor — illegal to rent out |
| G | 1–20 | Extremely poor — illegal to rent out |
How assessments work
A domestic energy assessor (DEA) visits your property and inspects key features: loft and wall insulation, window glazing, heating system, hot water cylinder, and lighting. The visit takes around an hour. There is no pass or fail — the assessor simply records what is there and the software calculates your score. They will also suggest the improvements most likely to raise your rating.
How long EPCs are valid
An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. You can use the same certificate for multiple sales or lettings within that period. If you make significant improvements to your home, you may want to get a new assessment sooner to reflect your updated rating.
How to get an EPC
Find an accredited assessor on the government's register at gov.uk (search "find an energy assessor"). Typical costs are £60–£120 for a standard domestic property, though prices vary by assessor and location. The certificate is issued digitally and registered on the national EPC register.
When you legally need one
- Selling a home — required before the property is marketed
- Renting a property — required before letting, and the rating must be E or above
- New builds — required on completion
- Owner-occupiers not selling — not legally required, though useful for planning improvements
Government grants available
If your EPC rating is D or below, you may qualify for free or subsidised improvements through government schemes including ECO4 and the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Check grants available →Frequently asked questions
What does EPC D mean?
A D-rated home scores between 55 and 68 out of 100. It's below the C rating required for new private rental tenancies from 2030, and has significant room for improvement.
How much does an EPC cost?
Typically £60–£120 for a domestic property in England and Wales, though prices vary by assessor and property size.
Is my EPC still valid?
EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Check the date on your EPC certificate or search the government register.
Do I need an EPC if I'm not selling?
No — owner-occupiers who are not selling or renting do not legally need an EPC, though it can be useful for planning improvements.