Understanding Your EPC Report – What the Ratings Really Mean

When you receive an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property, it's easy to glance at the coloured chart and move on. But understanding what your EPC actually tells you can help you make smarter decisions about energy use, home improvements, and legal compliance—especially if you're a landlord.

In this post, we’ll break down the EPC report so you can understand what the ratings mean and how to use the information effectively.

What Is an EPC? An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) is a document that shows how energy-efficient a property is. It’s required by law when selling, renting, or building a property in the UK. The certificate is valid for 10 years and is produced by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor after inspecting your home.

The EPC Rating Scale Explained Your EPC includes a rating from A to G, with:

• A (Most Efficient) – Very low energy usage and minimal running costs. New-builds with the latest insulation and technologies often fall into this category.

• D (Average Efficiency) – Most UK homes fall here. There’s usually room for cost-effective improvements.

• G (Least Efficient) – High running costs and poor insulation. These properties often require significant upgrades.

The rating is based on the property’s construction, insulation, heating system, lighting, and more—not how much energy you personally use.

Key Sections of the Report

1. Current vs Potential Rating This shows your current energy efficiency and what it could be if all recommended improvements were made.

2. Estimated Energy Costs The report estimates how much you’re likely to spend on heating, lighting, and hot water over 3 years. It also shows how much you could save.

3. Recommendations This section outlines specific ways to improve your rating—like adding loft insulation, upgrading your boiler, or installing low-energy lighting.

4. Environmental Impact You’ll also see your home’s estimated CO₂ emissions and how they compare to other properties.

Why It Matters For homeowners, understanding your EPC helps you prioritise upgrades that reduce your bills and boost property value.

For landlords, it’s essential to meet the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), which currently require a rating of E or above. Properties below this threshold cannot be legally rented out unless you have an exemption.

What to Do Next

• Check your EPC here: www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate

• Use the recommendations to plan cost-effective improvements

• Book a new EPC assessment if yours is outdated or if you’ve made changes to your property

Final Thoughts Understanding your EPC isn’t just about compliance—it’s about making your home or investment smarter, greener, and more valuable. If you're unsure about your report or need advice on where to start, Greenway EPC is here to help