Energy Performance Certificates

 Energy Performance Certificates, a key part of Home Information Packs, tell you how energy efficient a home is on a scale of A-G. The most efficient homes, which should have the lowest fuel bills, are in band A.

 The Certificate also tells you, on a scale of A-G, about the impact the home has on the environment. Better-rated homes should have less impact through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

 The average property in the UK is in bands D-E for both ratings. The Certificate includes recommendations on ways to improve the home's energy efficiency to save you money and help the environment.

 Most sellers of newly built homes will have to provide a predicted assessment of the energy efficiency of the property, but a full Energy Performance Certificate should be provided to the buyer when the home is completed.