Energy performance certificates (EPCs) explained

Energy performance certificates (EPCs) tell you how energy efficient a building is. They are different from energy ratings, which are the multi-coloured labels you find on new home appliances.

EPCs rate a home from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). They’ll tell you how costly it will be to heat and light your property, and what its CO₂ emissions are likely to be.

An EPC includes:

• cost effective ways to improve your EPC rating
• information on what the energy efficiency rating could be if you made the recommended improvements

Even if you rent your home, you could still implement some improvements noted on the EPC, such as switching to more energy efficient light bulbs.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

An EPC helps you understand the energy performance of your home. It can identify areas for improvement which could save you money on your bills and reduce CO₂ emissions.

If you’re looking to sell or rent out your home, you need an EPC before it goes on the market. You must get an approved domestic energy assessor to produce the EPC.

If you’re looking for a property to buy or rent a property, the EPC rating lets you compare the energy efficiency of different properties easily. Properties in Scotland must display its EPC rating, for example, near the boiler or meter cupboard. 

The EPC also gives recommendations to improve your EPC rating. If you do make any energy efficiency recommendations outlined in your EPC, you may want to get a new EPC to reflect this.

It’s worth noting that not all EPCs look the same. In this guide, we use a 2023 certificate from Scotland as an example. Older certificates will have most of this information, although it may look a bit different and may be in a different order.

Energy certificates from England, Wales and Northern Ireland may also look a little different. But the sections and information covered should be identical.

To get an EPC, you need to speak to a qualified home assessor. This depends on where you live.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only accredited domestic energy assessors can produce valid EPCs. You’ll need one of these assessors to produce an EPC certificate for you. Visit the GOV.UK website to find an assessor.

If you’re selling or renting your home through an estate agent, they may be able to arrange for the EPC to be completed for you.

Scotland

In Scotland, only organisations approved by the Scottish Government can produce valid EPCs. You’ll need one of these organisations to produce an EPC certificate for you.

• Find a list of approved EPC organisations on the Scottish EPC Register.

If you’re selling your home through a selling agent, you should ask them to arrange for a Home Report to be made. This report includes an energy report and EPC.

Energy reports can only be produced by chartered surveyors registered with RICS.

According to Checkatrade, getting an EPC certificate generally costs between £65-£120 (accurate as of November 2025). Remember that if you’re selling or renting out your home, you need an EPC otherwise you may be issued with a fixed penalty charge of £200.

How much an EPC costs can depend on:

• the type of house you live in
• the size of your house
• the number of bedrooms
• where you live

Assessors may have different fees too, so it’s worth getting a number of quotes from an accredited assessor or organisation to find the best deal.

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