A survey for Uswitch reveals that nearly half (46%) of property owners do not know how EPC ratings impact energy bills or what an EPC surveyor measures.

The survey highlighted that many property owners are unsure which home improvements make the greatest difference in raising the EPC rating.

Over a third (36%) of survey respondents believed incorrectly that actual energy bills affect EPC ratings. 16% wrongly believed that the number of bedrooms in a home was part of the EPC calculations, whilst 15% mistakenly thought that the value of the property formed part of the assessment,

However, around half of respondents correctly identified insulation quality and heating efficiency as affecting the EPC rating.

Uswitch’s research also found that many homeowners are delaying energy efficiency upgrades. Ben Gallizzi, energy comparison expert at Uswitch, recommends not delaying improvements to insulation and heating systems, and installing renewable energy technology, as energy costs are likely to rise in the future.

The Energy Saving Trust advises homeowners and landlords of rented accommodation to seek independent advice on the best ways to improve a property’s energy efficiency and the best order to implement these improvements. The organisation’s website has details on recommended ways to improve EPC ratings.

The government is expected to change the EPC system in the second half of 2027, but there will be no need to reassess properties that already have EPC certificates, as existing certificates will still be valid, no matter how the system changes.