EPC Ratings Explained: What A–G Means for Your Property (2025)
An Energy Performance Certificate is a legal requirement for most properties in England and Wales. Here's everything you need to understand about what yours means — and what to do with it.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that describes how energy-efficient a building is. It gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), along with an environmental impact rating measured in CO₂ emissions.
The certificate is produced by a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) who visits the property and records details about its construction, insulation, heating system, glazing, and lighting. This information is fed into the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) — the government's approved methodology for rating home energy performance.
An EPC is valid for 10 years and is publicly accessible via the EPC Register — or you can look it up for free on Home Energy Check.
Who Needs an EPC?
Selling a property
You must have a valid EPC before you market your property for sale. Estate agents are legally required to attach it to listings. Failure to obtain one can result in a fine of up to £500.
Renting a property
Landlords must have a valid EPC and provide a copy to tenants when a tenancy begins. Rental properties in England and Wales must currently achieve a minimum rating of E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let.
Newly built properties
A new build must have an EPC before it can be occupied. The developer is responsible for obtaining this.
Major renovations
If you carry out major works that alter the energy performance of your home (e.g. adding an extension or replacing the heating system), a new EPC is recommended and may be legally required.
Exempt properties include listed buildings where energy improvements would unacceptably alter their character, temporary buildings intended to be used for less than two years, and holiday lets where the property is not rented for more than four months per year.
The A–G Scale in Detail
EPC ratings are expressed as a score from 1 to 100, grouped into bands A to G. The score reflects how energy-efficient the home is — taking into account running costs, not just energy consumption. Here is what each band means in practical terms:
| Band | Score | What it means | Typical yearly cost* | % of UK homes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 92–100 | Exceptional. Near zero energy bills. | £500–£800 | <1% |
| B | 81–91 | Very efficient. Low running costs. | £800–£1,200 | ~4% |
| C | 69–80 | Good efficiency. Above average. | £1,200–£1,800 | ~40% |
| D | 55–68 | Average. Typical UK home. | £1,800–£2,600 | ~40% |
| E | 39–54 | Below average. Costly to heat. | £2,600–£3,500 | ~12% |
| F | 21–38 | Poor. Often older or poorly insulated. | £3,500–£5,000 | ~2% |
| G | 1–20 | Very poor. High emissions and costs. | £5,000+ | <1% |
* Estimated annual energy costs for a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house. Actual costs vary by property size, location, and energy tariff.
What Affects Your EPC Score?
The SAP calculation considers dozens of factors, but these have the largest effect:
Uninsulated solid walls are the single biggest source of heat loss
25% of heat escapes through an uninsulated roof
Heat pumps and A-rated boilers score far better than old G-rated boilers
Double glazing scores better than single; triple glazing best of all
Solar PV panels directly reduce SAP energy requirement
All fixed LED fittings score better than halogen/incandescent
Sealed doors, windows and floor gaps reduce air infiltration score
Insulated hot water cylinders with correct thermostat settings score well
Minimum EPC Requirements for Landlords
Current legal requirement
Since April 2020, landlords in England and Wales have been unable to grant a new tenancy (or renew an existing one) for a property with an EPC rating below E. Since April 2023, this applies to all existing tenancies as well.
Properties rated F or G cannot legally be let. Landlords who continue to rent out non-compliant properties face fines of up to £30,000. See our full guide on EPC requirements for landlords for full details on exemptions and the proposed 2030 changes.
Proposed 2030 changes
The government has proposed raising the minimum standard for rental properties to EPC band C for new tenancies from 2028 and all tenancies from 2030. This is not yet law, but landlords with D and E-rated properties should begin planning upgrades now.
How to Get an EPC Assessment
Find an accredited DEA
You must use a Domestic Energy Assessor who is accredited by a government-recognised body. Find one via the official EPC Register or search for "accredited energy assessor near me".
Book the assessment
Most assessors will visit within a few days. The visit takes 30–45 minutes for a typical home. They will inspect the walls, loft, windows, heating system, and lighting.
Receive your certificate
The assessor will upload your EPC to the national register, usually within 24 hours. You'll receive a PDF copy. The certificate is valid for 10 years.
Cost of an EPC assessment: Typically £60–£120 for a residential property, depending on property size and location. Larger detached homes and properties in London tend to cost more.
How to Read Your EPC
An EPC is a four-page document. The most important sections are:
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