Energy rating for 82, Florist Street, SK3 8DX

What an EPC tells you

An Energy Performance Certificate rates a home from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), based on its insulation, heating, windows and lighting. It also estimates running costs and lists improvements that could raise the rating. A certificate lasts ten years, so an old one may not reflect work done since.

Why it matters. A poor rating usually means higher bills, and it can affect what you can do with the home. Landlords in England and Wales generally can't let a home rated F or G, and the government plans to raise the minimum to C for rented homes by 2030. Some lenders offer cheaper "green" mortgages for homes rated A to C.

Improving a rating. The recommendations on the certificate are a good starting point. Loft and cavity wall insulation are usually the cheapest wins, followed by heating controls, a more efficient boiler or a heat pump, and better glazing. Check what grants are available before you start, as some schemes cover the cost for eligible households.