How to read an EPC.

An illustrative certificate for a 1930s three-bedroom semi, explained line by line. The figures are indicative and the property is not real, but the structure is exactly what lands on your doormat.

Specimen · indicative figures

Page One · The Rating

Current 62. Potential 74.

Two numbers, and the gap between them is the only part most people should act on. This property is a mid-D that reaches C on the first four recommendations.

Specimen · Energy efficiency rating

A92+

B81–91

C69–80

Potential

D55–68

Current

E39–54

F21–38

G1–20

The rating is modelled on standard occupancy, not your actual bills. That is deliberate: it lets two properties be compared fairly. See what a D actually means.

Page Two · What Was Recorded

The features table.

Every rating on the certificate traces back to these lines. The two marked Poor are where the points are.

WallsCavity wall, as built, no insulationPoor

RoofPitched, 100mm loft insulationAverage

WindowsFully double glazedAverage

Main heatingBoiler and radiators, mains gasGood

Heating controlsProgrammer, no room thermostatPoor

Hot waterFrom main systemGood

Lighting60% low energyAverage

FloorSuspended, no insulationN/A

Page Three · The Levers

The rating, and what moves it.

Indicative costs and point gains. The first three total under £800 and take this specimen from 62 to 70 — over the C threshold.

1Room thermostat added to the heating system£350–£450+3

2Top up loft insulation to 270mm£100–£350+4

3Low energy lighting throughout£15+1

4Cavity wall insulation£500–£1,500+7

5Suspended floor insulation£800–£1,200+3

The certificate lists the measures. It does not sell them, and neither do we. Our parent company can quote if you ask, but the assessment is the assessment. See how to improve a rating without wasting money.

Register interest.

EPCs launch once our assessor accreditation is in place. Planned price £69 inc VAT. Until then, any accredited assessor can help you now.