Energy-efficient homes
buyer guides

Energy Performance Certificates

Energy Performance Certificates are essential for any homeowner. Read our guide to find out what they are and how they can save you money.

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What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

First introduced in 2007, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a four-page legal document that measures the energy efficiency of a property. The certificate rates a property’s efficiency using a scale of A to G, with A being the most efficient.


An EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. Once your property has been assessed and the EPC has been obtained, it remains valid for ten years. 

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What does an EPC contain?

Once your property has been assessed, the EPC will provide you with energy efficiency information about your property. This information is split into four sections:

The ratings: What do they mean?

Your Energy Performance Certificate is calculated based on the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). Your home will be given a numerical value from 1 to 100. These scores are then divided into bands and this determines the energy-efficiency of your property. The higher your energy-efficiency rating (EER), the more efficient your home is and the less it will cost you to run it. 
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Save money by buying new

New build homes are  increasingly more energy-efficient than older properties. In fact, 86% of new build homes have an A or B EPC rating, with less than 5% of existing older properties achieving the same standard.*

A higher EPC rating results in lower household bills, which is an important aspect to consider when buying a new home. The average new build house heating, hot water and lighting costs 50% than an older house, which is an annual saving of £979.*
Energy efficient homes
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How much money can I save With a new build?

Data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) found that on average, buyers of a new build house will save £979 a year in energy bills, making heating, hot water and lighting costs 50% cheaper than an older property.*

The average new build heating, hot water and lighting bills could be more than £64 a month cheaper. The savings rise to £82 a month when comparing houses specifically - making it a saving of £979 a year.* 

Taylor Wimpey Staff

What else could you do to improve your EPC?

 

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*Figures sourced from HBF "Watt a Save" report update, January 2025