Check your EPC rating and home energy options
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how efficient your home is and influences which grants and upgrades you may qualify for. This hub explains EPC ratings and how to improve yours.
What is an EPC rating?
An EPC rates a property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on how much energy it uses and how much it costs to run. Most homes sit between C and E.
Why EPC ratings matter for grants
Many UK energy grants prioritise EPC D-G homes because the savings from insulation and heating upgrades are largest. A higher EPC rating does not always rule you out, but lower-rated homes are usually targeted first.
EPC D, E, F and G homes
These properties are most likely to be eligible for insulation grants, heating upgrades and ventilation improvements under ECO4 and similar schemes.
How to improve your EPC rating
- Add or top up loft insulation
- Insulate cavity or solid walls where suitable
- Upgrade your heating controls
- Install low-energy lighting
- Consider a heat pump or solar PV with battery storage
Landlords and EPC rules
Landlords in England and Wales generally need an EPC rating of E or higher to let a property, with proposed changes targeting C in future. Improvement grants may help landlords meet these requirements.
Check your EPC and grant options
Use the EPC rating checker to see your current rating and the energy grant checker to find possible upgrade routes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my EPC rating?
You can search the official EPC register by postcode. Most UK homes sold or rented since 2008 should already have a certificate.
Does a higher EPC mean cheaper bills?
Generally yes. A more efficient home uses less energy for heating and hot water, which can lower running costs.
How long does an EPC last?
EPCs are typically valid for 10 years. If you have made significant upgrades you may want a fresh assessment to reflect them.
Can I get a free EPC?
Some grant routes include an EPC or retrofit assessment. Otherwise, an EPC is usually a paid service from an accredited domestic energy assessor.
Will a heat pump improve my EPC?
It can, but EPCs use standardised cost assumptions, so the impact depends on your previous heating system and overall fabric efficiency.
What if I disagree with my EPC?
You can request a re-assessment from a different accredited assessor, especially if you have made improvements that were not captured.
Check what you may qualify for
Use the free energy grant checker to see possible support routes worth checking for your home.
Start grant check