What is an EPC rating and why do they matter?
TL;DR:
If you’re asking ‘what is EPC’, you’re not the only one! An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how efficient a home is from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating can impact running costs and resale value – so always check before buying a home. Modern building standards mean that new-build homes tend to have better EPC ratings.
Buying a home is about more than just space or location…
…It’s also about understanding the cost of owning the property, which is why it’s so important to get a clear picture of your potential EPC rating. After all, nobody enjoys paying bills – and the amount you pay for energy can have a bigger impact on the monthly budget than you might first imagine!
In this guide, we’ll take you through all you need to know – from what is EPC to why new builds typically have better ratings – giving you the confidence you need to make informed decisions and avoid any surprise energy costs further down the road!
What is an EPC certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) tells you how energy-efficient a home is. It’s a standardised way of estimating how much energy a property is likely to use, as well as the impact this could have on your energy bills.
In the UK, a valid EPC is needed if the property is being put up for rent or sale, as well as when a new home is completed. The certificate is normally valid for 10 years, but homeowners do have the option to commission a new one earlier if major energy‑related improvements have been made.
What is an EPC rating?
An EPC rating is the score you receive on the certificate. They fall into six grades:
- A-B: ‘excellent’ – Strong insulation and energy efficient – likely to have lower bills and good future resilience
- C: ‘above average’ – Typically better than older housing and is likely to be acceptable under evolving policy expectations
- D: ‘typical older home’ – Room to improve and has moderate bills
- E-G: ‘poor’ – Expect higher bills and more to improve
For buyers, anything at C or above is considered a ‘good’ rating to target in your house search. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t opt for a home with a lesser rating (or that C and above is perfect!), but it definitely gives you more clarity as to potential costs.
How are EPC ratings calculated?
Don’t worry – aside from booking a visit, you don’t need to do anything yourself! EPCs are produced by accredited domestic energy assessors, who’ll visit your property to collect the necessary information. This can include: window and door types, insulation levels, fixed lighting, and any renewable technologies.
The EPC software will then use these details to model how much energy the property uses under standardised conditions, as well as how much heat it loses. A rating will be generated based off of the outcome.
It is important to remember that the calculation is based on typical usage patterns, rather than the actual behaviour of a particular household, so there is potential for some slight variation once you move in.
What’s in an EPC report?
There are a few different components that make up an EPC report:
- Energy-efficiency rating graph – A coloured bar chart displaying both the current rating and potential rating (if the recommended improvements are made).
- Estimated energy costs – A prediction of what energy costs could be over the course of 3 years. It may also show potential savings if the recommended improvements are carried out.
- Recommended improvements – A list of suggested changes, such as adding loft insulation or installing a more efficient boiler.
- Property details and assessor information – A basic property description and the date of assessment, as well as the assessor’s accreditation number and scheme. It will also include a certificate reference number, so you can look the EPC up online.
What is the EPC rating on my home?
If you would like to check the EPC rating on your home, the UK government EPC register allows anyone to search for a property’s certificate using the home’s address or certificate number.
Estate agents and developers should also be able to provide the EPC in sales details or on upon request.
Why do EPC ratings matter when buying a new home?
EPC ratings should be an important consideration when you’re looking to buy a new home, having a big influence throughout your time in the property and beyond!
In the short term, stronger ratings typically mean lower energy bills and a warmer home, as well as fewer expenses on energy-related upgrades. Lower energy bills can also free up more income for mortgage payments.
Looking ahead to the future, if you later move, homes with stronger ratings are more attractive to potential buyers.
Why do new builds have better EPC Ratings?
Government and sector data show that a large proportion of new-build homes achieve EPC ratings of A or B, in contrast to older homes that sit around D. At Wain Homes, for example, all of our new builds are rated at B or above! This is primarily due to two factors:
- Modern building fabric – New builds have to meet modern building regulations, which require higher levels of insulation, better airtightness, and more efficient windows and doors than many older homes have.
- Sustainable systems – New developments are usually designed with forward-facing specifications. This means the homes are fitted with more energy-efficient systems, such as heat source pumps, better boilers, low‑carbon heating systems, and solar panels.
Overall, buyers looking to buy a new-build home are more likely to benefit from lower energy bills and better long‑term compliance with evolving energy standards – an important consideration to keep in mind during your search!
Always be sure to check the EPC before buying!
When looking for a new-home, always check the EPC, taking note of the rating and assessment date. Use the estimated energy costs and recommended improvements to compare homes and plan your future budget – don’t get caught out later with surprise costs!
There’s certainly nothing wrong with opting for an older home, but it’s better to go into a purchase with full clarity. After all, the EPC is there to help you make an informed choice about the running costs and future resilience of a home, and doesn’t replace all the other key considerations.
Still searching for your next home? Take a look at our developments situated in desirable locations across England. If you need more details or advice, get in touch with a member of our team.
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