How to Check Your EPC Rating for Free
Your EPC rating is one of the two key criteria for a free boiler grant. Here is how to check it in under 2 minutes — completely free.
What is an EPC Rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that rates a property's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). EPCs are required whenever a property is built, sold, or rented, and they are valid for 10 years. The EPC rating is one of the two key criteria for qualifying for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme — you need a rating of D, E, F, or G.
How to Check Your EPC Rating in 3 Steps
Go to the Government EPC Register
Visit epcregister.com (England and Wales) or scottishepcregister.org.uk (Scotland). These are the official government databases of all EPC certificates issued in the UK.
Enter Your Postcode
Type in your postcode and select your address from the list. If your property has had an EPC issued in the last 10 years, it will appear in the database.
View Your EPC Rating
Your EPC report will show your current energy efficiency rating (A to G), your potential rating if improvements were made, and a list of recommended improvements including boiler replacement.
What if My Property is Not on the Register?
If your property does not appear on the EPC register, it means no EPC has been issued in the last 10 years. This is actually good news for ECO4 eligibility — an unregistered property is likely to have a poor energy efficiency rating. You can apply for a free boiler grant and the installer will arrange a free EPC assessment as part of the process.
What EPC Rating Do I Need for a Free Boiler?
To qualify for a free boiler grant under the ECO4 scheme, your property needs an EPC rating of D, E, F, or G. Properties rated A, B, or C are considered energy efficient and do not qualify for ECO4 improvements. However, if your property has a poor EPC rating and you receive a qualifying benefit, you could receive a brand-new A-rated boiler completely free of charge.
EPC Ratings That Qualify for ECO4
Can I Improve My EPC Rating?
Yes — and in fact, a free boiler replacement under ECO4 will itself improve your EPC rating. Other improvements that raise your EPC rating include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation, and double glazing. Under the ECO4 scheme, your installer may be able to provide multiple improvements in a single visit, further improving your home's energy efficiency and reducing your energy bills.