What’s My Energy Efficiency Rating?

Knowing your home’s energy performance can uncover ways to save money and improve comfort.

By knowing your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, you can determine whether you’re spending too much on energy and where you can make improvements to save money! This blog will explain what an EPC is, what it tells you, and the steps you can take if your rating isn’t what it should be.

Your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)

An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, is a standardised document required for properties across the UK when they are built, sold, or rented. It provides a full overview of how energy-efficient your property is, rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The certificate not only reflects your home’s current energy status but also offers suggestions for enhancing its efficiency.

What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) evaluates the energy efficiency and carbon footprint of your property, providing a rating from A-G. This document assesses various aspects of your home, including its insulation, heating systems, and windows. An EPC is essential because it recognises areas of improvement and potential cost savings when these improvements are made.

What Is an EPC Rating?

The EPC rating summarises the energy efficiency of your home on a scale of A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G the least. A higher rating (C or above) suggests you have a well-insulated home with efficient heating systems, translating to lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

What Does My EPC Tell Me?

Your EPC provides a detailed snapshot of your property’s energy use and areas for improvement. Here is a breakdown of the information you’ll find in a typical EPC:

• Energy Efficiency Rating: Displayed as a letter from A to G (and numerically on a scale from 1 to 92+,) this rating shows how energy-efficient your home currently is and its potential efficiency if specific improvements are made.
• Energy Performance: Detailed information on how various elements of your home, like walls, floors, windows, heating, and lighting, perform, energy-wise. This info is rated on a scale from “very good” to “very poor” (or out of five stars in Scotland.)
• Environmental Impact: Highlighting your property’s carbon emissions, compared to similar buildings.
• Estimated Usage and Actions: Recommended actions for improving your property’s energy performance, including installation costs and expected yearly savings. Typical suggestions might include upgrading insulation, boilers, or installing solar panels.

What if My EPC Rating Isn’t High Enough?

If your EPC rating is low, it’s essential to act to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Increased efficiency can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment. You may be paying far too much on your bills!

Steps to Take:

• Book a LEAP Energy Advice Call: Start by booking an energy advice call with a LEAP advisor. A qualified energy advisor can assess your home and recommend which areas need immediate attention.
• Focus on Key Improvements: Common areas for improvement include insulation, heating systems, and installing energy-efficient windows and doors.
• Try Some Energy-Saving Measures: Consider upgrades like better insulation, boiler replacements, or even renewable energy sources like solar panels (we can advise on all of these.)

What if I Can’t Find My EPC?

If you need your EPC but can’t find it, don’t worry. You can easily download it from the government’s official EPC register website. An EPC is mandatory at several stages in your property’s life, when:

• The property is built
• The property is sold
• The property is rented

Struggling with understanding your EPC, or improving your energy efficiency rating can be overwhelming, but help is available.

Start by arranging a LEAP energy advice call with us—our expert advisors will guide you on the next steps to take, ensuring that you can make practical and affordable improvements to achieve a higher EPC rating and a more comfortable home.