Find your EPC by using Consumer Right’s

Step 1: Locate the Energy Efficiency Rating Graph

The Energy Efficiency Rating appears near the top of the EPC. This is often the most referenced part of the certificate.

  • What it shows: A colour-coded bar chart ranging from dark green (A – most efficient) to red (G – least efficient).
  • Current rating vs potential rating: The graph displays both the current efficiency rating and the potential rating if suggested improvements are implemented.

Example: A rating of D (65) might indicate moderate efficiency. If the potential rating is B (81), this means improvements could significantly enhance performance.

Step 2: Review the Estimated Energy Costs of the Property

This section breaks down the estimated energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water.

  • Timeframe: These are usually based on a 3-year estimate.
  • Purpose: Designed to give a general sense of the property’s running costs, assuming standard occupancy and average energy usage.

Note: These figures are not tailored to individual households and may vary depending on actual usage.

Step 3: Understand the Performance Summary

The Performance Summary provides a breakdown of the property’s key elements and their energy performance. 

This section typically includes:

  • Walls.
  • Roof.
  • Floor.
  • Windows.
  • Main heating and controls.
  • Hot water system.
  • Lighting.

Each item is given a performance rating such as “Very Good”, “Good”, “Average”, or “Poor”, “Very Poor”.

Analogy: Think of this as a property’s health report — each system is individually assessed to help identify where energy efficiency may be lost.

Step 4: Read the Recommendations for Improving Energy Efficiency

The Recommendations section lists suggested measures to improve energy efficiency. These are typically ranked by:

  1. Cost-effectiveness (low-cost measures listed first).
  2. Indicative savings in pounds per year.
  3. Improvement impact, shown as the revised EPC rating if the measure is implemented.

Typical recommendations may include:

  • Installing low energy lighting.
  • Adding or upgrading loft insulation.
  • Replacing the boiler with a more efficient model.
  • Adding solar panels.

Many of these recommendations may be covered fully by government funding. Use our eligibility checker to see if you qualify for the ECO4 or GBIS scheme.

Step 5: Examine the Environmental Impact (CO₂) Rating

The Environmental Impact Rating is shown as another colour-coded chart, similar to the energy efficiency graph, but it refers specifically to carbon dioxide emissions.

  • Measured in tonnes per year.
  • Compares current emissions with potential emissions post-improvements. This section helps convey the property’s impact on the environment and supports compliance with national climate targets.

Step 6: Note the Certificate Details and Validity

Towards the end of the EPC, the following administrative information is included:

  • Certificate number: A unique reference used to look up the certificate on official registers.
  • Assessment date: The date the property was inspected.
  • Certificate expiry date: EPCs are valid for 10 years.
  • Assessor accreditation: The name and accreditation details of the certified Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA)
  • Instruction: Verify that the EPC is current and valid before proceeding with any legal transaction involving the property.

Step 7: Use the Reference Number to Access the Official Register

  • EPCs are stored on the national EPC register for authenticity and verification.
  • For more information on how to access your EPC and interpret its findings, visit our EPC Checker
  • Using the certificate number, you can access a digital copy of the EPC and cross-check the 

Actionable Recommendations

  • Verify: Always confirm the certificate’s validity before entering a rental or purchase agreement.
  • Compare: If reviewing multiple properties, use the energy efficiency rating to compare long-term energy costs.
  • Act: Landlords and homeowners should consider implementing low-cost recommended improvements to enhance property compliance and reduce energy bills.
  • Maintain Records: Keep a copy of the EPC on file for legal, financial, and insurance purposes. If you improve the property, you may request a new EPC to reflect the upgrades.

For further clarity on legal obligations relating to EPCs or to lodge a complaint regarding inaccurate information, contact your local trading standards office or relevant government department.