EPC Band G

If your epc is in epc grade g you’re probably already aware that the property probably needs certain elements upgrading. EPC rating G is the lowest rating on the epc scale which starts from A the highest to G the lowest.

What causes a property to be in band G

Well the 3 biggest things that contribute the majority of the EPC rating is:

1. The main source of fuel, i.e gas, electric, LPG etc.
2. The amount of insulation in the property
3. The type of heating system in the property

For a property to be rated G, it probably means that it rates poorly on all 3 elements above. This means:

1. It is using an expensive form of fuel to heat the property, such as peak rate electric or Liquid Propane Gas (LPG)
2. It has no, or minimal insulation throughout the property
3. It has either no heating, or if there is some heating then it is probably room heaters, such as portable room heaters, electric panel heaters, or room gas fires and there is no form of time or temperature controls.

Older properties in villages, where there is no mains gas have a higher likelihood of being in band G. Properties in this band range are also more likely to suffer from damp and condensation and less than healthy living conditions.

What to do to improve the EPC rating

If the property is an F or G rating, it cannot be legally let. Here are points that determine the EPC rating.

Here is the list of all the potential ratings of properties and their rating bands:

Band A: 92+

Band B: 81-91

Band C: 69-80

Band D: 55-68

Band E: 39-54

Band F: 21-38

Band G: 1-20

To raise the rating from a G to the minimum of E39 is going to take some major improvements but it does depend on how far up you are in the G band to start with. As an approximate guide, doing major improvements to the heating will raise it around 8 points, to the insulation around 8 points, to the windows from single to double glazing around 3 points.

Get an updated EPC

This will show where the property actually stands. The EPC will show which improvements will improve the rating. However the EPC will only calculate the ratings if certain improvements are carried out in a sequential order.

You may need to speak to your EPC Assessor who will be able to provide a custom list of improvements if you don’t plan to do then in the order shown on the EPC. This draft report will show exactly what the rating of the EPC would be after any work is done. Your Assessor may charge you for this.

If your EPC is rated F, then there’s going to be less work for you to do and you should check out my blog EPC Band F instead.

Check out which grants you may be eligible for

There are a variety of grants available to improve energy efficiency in properties. The grants depend on the property and the person being eligible and they each have their own qualifying criteria.

Funds could be available to cover all, or some of the costs.

At the time of writing, the main grants schemes are:

Hopefully this information will go some way in helping you to create a home that is cosier and cheaper to run along with a better energy rating.