How to Read an EPC Certificate: A Simple Guide
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can look confusing if you have never seen one before. It contains an energy rating, estimated energy information and recommendations for improving the property’s energy performance.
If you are selling or renting a property, understanding your EPC can help you know what the rating means and what information buyers or tenants may see.
In this guide, we explain how to read an EPC certificate in simple terms.
What Is an EPC Certificate?
An Energy Performance Certificate shows how energy efficient a property is.
For homes in England and Wales, the energy efficiency rating is shown on a scale from A to G, with A representing the higher efficiency band and G the lower end of the scale.
The EPC also provides information about energy use and recommendations for improving energy efficiency. An EPC is normally valid for 10 years.
If you are preparing a property for sale or rent, you can arrange a Residential EPC before your property goes to market.
How to Read the EPC Rating
The most noticeable part of an EPC is the energy efficiency rating.
You will normally see:
The current energy efficiency rating
The rating band from A to G
A potential rating
A scale showing where the property currently sits
The current rating represents the property’s calculated energy performance based on its characteristics and services.
The potential rating shows what could be achieved if the relevant recommended improvements were carried out.
What Do the A to G Ratings Mean?
The EPC scale is straightforward:
A – higher energy efficiency
B – good energy efficiency
C – moderate to good efficiency
D – moderate efficiency
E – lower efficiency
F – poor efficiency
G – lowest efficiency
The rating is based on the property’s energy performance rather than simply its appearance or condition.
What Is the Potential EPC Rating?
One section that often causes confusion is the potential rating.
For example, your property could have a current rating of D but a potential rating of C.
This does not mean that the property currently has a C rating.
Instead, it indicates the rating that could potentially be achieved if the relevant recommended improvements were implemented.
If your property has a low rating, you may find our guide on improving an EPC rating from D to C in London useful.
What Are the Energy Costs on an EPC?
An EPC can include estimated energy use and typical energy costs.
These figures are calculated using standard assumptions so properties can be compared consistently. They should not be treated as an exact prediction of what the current homeowner or tenant will pay.
Actual energy bills depend on factors such as:
How many people live in the property
How often heating is used
Thermostat settings
Energy tariffs
Occupancy habits
Appliance usage
The EPC is therefore better viewed as an indication of energy performance rather than a personal energy bill forecast.
Understanding EPC Recommendations
Another important part of the certificate is the recommendations section.
This section lists improvements that may help improve the property’s energy performance.
Depending on the property, recommendations can relate to areas such as:
Loft insulation
Wall insulation
Heating systems
Heating controls
Windows
Lighting
Renewable energy measures
The EPC guidance explains that recommendations can include cost-effective improvements as well as other measures that could improve performance.
You do not automatically have to complete every recommendation simply because it appears on the EPC. The recommendations are intended to help owners understand possible improvements.
Does a Low EPC Rating Mean the Property Is Bad?
No.
An EPC measures energy performance, not the overall quality of a property.
A property could have an attractive interior, a good location and excellent condition while still having a lower EPC rating.
Similarly, an older property may have a lower rating because of its construction, insulation or heating system.
An EPC should therefore be considered alongside the other information about a property.
What Else Can You Find on an EPC?
An EPC contains more than just the large A-to-G rating.
The certificate can include information such as:
Property address
Certificate reference number
Date of issue
Energy efficiency rating
Potential rating
Estimated energy information
Recommendations
Property floor area
Reference or benchmark information
The official government guidance sets out the information that an EPC must contain.
You can also use the government’s Find an Energy Certificate service to check whether a property already has an EPC.
How Long Is an EPC Valid?
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years.
You do not normally need a new EPC every time a property is sold or rented if there is already a valid certificate.
However, if the EPC has expired, you may need to arrange a new assessment before marketing the property.
You can read our guide to EPC certificate renewal in London for more information.
Does the EPC Rating Need to Be Shown When Marketing a Property?
If you are selling or renting a property, an EPC is an important part of the marketing process.
GOV.UK states that you must order an EPC before marketing a property for sale or rent. The official guidance also explains requirements around displaying the energy rating in commercial advertising where it is available.
This is one reason it is useful to check your EPC before your property listing is prepared.
Should You Improve the Property Before Getting an EPC?
Not necessarily.
If you are planning improvements specifically to increase the EPC rating, you may want to understand the property’s current rating first.
Getting an assessment can show:
Your current EPC rating
Your potential rating
Recommended improvements
Areas that may affect energy performance
You can then decide which improvements make sense for your property.
For example, if your property already has a valid EPC, checking the existing certificate first may be more useful than immediately booking another assessment.
EPC, Photography and Floor Plans
An EPC is only one part of preparing a property for sale or rent.
You may also need professional marketing materials such as:
Property photography
Floor plans
Property descriptions
EPC information
Our Property Photography service and Floor Plan service can be arranged alongside your EPC requirements.
For sellers and landlords who want to prepare everything together, see our guide to a Property Marketing Package in London.
When Should You Check Your EPC?
It is a good idea to check your EPC early if you are:
Preparing to sell
Preparing to rent out a property
Unsure whether your EPC is still valid
Planning energy efficiency improvements
Preparing a property listing
Working with an estate or letting agent
Checking the certificate early can help you identify any issues before your property is ready to be marketed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read an EPC certificate?
Start with the current energy efficiency rating, then check the potential rating, estimated energy information and recommendations. These sections give you a basic overview of the property’s energy performance.
What is a good EPC rating?
The EPC scale runs from A to G, with A at the higher-efficiency end of the scale. The meaning of a suitable rating can also depend on why the property is being assessed and the applicable rules.
What does the potential EPC rating mean?
The potential rating indicates the rating that could potentially be achieved if relevant recommended improvements were completed. It is not the property’s current rating.
How long does an EPC last?
An EPC is generally valid for 10 years.
Can I check my existing EPC online?
Yes. You can use the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service to search for an existing certificate.
Do I need an EPC before selling or renting?
For properties covered by the EPC requirements in England and Wales, you must order an EPC before marketing the property for sale or rent.
Need an EPC in London?
Understanding your EPC is much easier when you know what each section means.
If you are selling, renting or preparing a property for marketing, you can arrange an EPC assessment with Urgent EPC.
We provide Residential EPC, Same Day EPC, Property Photography and Floor Plans across London and South London.
Book an EPC appointment and get your property ready for its next step.
