How to interpret an EPC

An EPC contains a lot of information about the energy efficiency of a property, and the information from one to the next can vary considerably.

An EPC is broken down into various sections:

Walls - Usually solid walls (i.e. a single brick width with no cavity), cavity (filled or unfilled), timber frame, or “system build” (e.g. modern block of flats). You may see more than one listing, which would indicate an extension with different walls to the main house. E.g. a Victorian property with solid brick walls may have a rear extension with cavity walls.

Roof - Again you may see various sections if the property has been added to over time. This is usually pitched or flat, and the level of insulation will be listed.

Windows - Usually single, double or triple glazed

Main Heating - This relates the space heating as opposed to water heating, this may be from a central heating system, storage radiators, room heaters, or secondary heaters such as log burners.

Main heating controls - Systems that have thermostats to turn the heating off when not needed, and timers to limit their use, wiill have a better rating than those systems without.

Hot water - In the case of combi or traditional boilers this may be listed as “from main heating”, or in many cases there will be a tank with immersion elements to heat the water.

Lighting - This will list the percentage of lighting which is low energy.

Floor - Usually solid, suspended timber, or “suspended non-timber” (e.g. suspended concrete). Depending on when the floor was installed it may have insulation, if not a recommendation will be generated.

If you would like an EPC reviewing or explaining, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.