---
title: EPC basics
stability: stable — the A-G scale and process are unlikely to change; the 10-year validity rule could in principle change, so double check if reusing after 2027
---

# What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is an official document that rates how energy efficient a building is. It gives the property a grade from **A (most efficient)** down to **G (least efficient)**, alongside an estimate of typical energy costs and the building's carbon dioxide emissions. The certificate also shows a "potential" rating — what the property could achieve if recommended improvements were carried out — along with a list of cost-effective changes that would help get there, such as adding insulation or upgrading heating controls.

## What it's used for

EPCs exist so that buyers, tenants and owners can compare the energy performance of different properties on a like-for-like basis. By law, every home in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a valid EPC before it is marketed for sale or rent. For privately rented homes, there is a minimum standard: the property must currently have a rating of at least E to be legally let (this minimum has been under government review, so check for updates before treating it as fixed). An EPC is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued, after which a new assessment is needed if one is required again (for example, to sell or re-let the property).

## How to find your property's current EPC

For homes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the free official lookup is the GOV.UK "Find an energy certificate" service. You search by postcode, address or certificate number and can view or download the existing certificate as a PDF in under a minute — no login needed. If a property has never had an EPC or its certificate has expired, GOV.UK also has a "Get a new energy certificate" service to book an accredited domestic energy assessor. Scotland has a separate system, the Scottish EPC Register, since energy performance and home reports are handled differently there.

## Sources

- [Find an energy certificate — GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/find-energy-certificate)
- [Get a new energy certificate — GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/get-new-energy-certificate)
- [Energy performance certificates (EPCs) explained — Energy Saving Trust](https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/guide-to-energy-performance-certificates-epcs/)

Facts current as of: 2026-09-20