Research from energy platform epIMS suggests that fewer than 40% of English homes built before 1990 with an EPC of C or above.

epIMS analysed energy efficiency rating bands data from the UK government to see EPC ratings for English homes built from pre-1919 to post-1990.

The data reveals that: 

• almost 83% of homes built post-1990 currently holding a rating of C or above;

• under 39% of homes built before 1990 meet this grade;

• the energy efficiency of homes has gradually increased over the decades;

• Among homes built in England before 1919, only 20.7% have EPC rating C or above; 

• homes built between 1919 and 1944, 28.5% have a rating of C or above;

• so the trend is 1945 –1964 (48.4%), 1965 – 1980 (49.4%), 1981 – 1990 (59.8%), and post-1990 (82.6%).

The chief executive of epIMS, Chris Cooper, says: “It may well be harder to achieve good energy efficiency with an older property, but age isn’t the deciding factor when it comes to an EPC rating. 

“In fact, many modern features designed to improve energy efficiency can actually be detrimental to an EPC rating, with BIOMASS boilers being a prime example, as you’ll actually achieve a higher score with a traditional gas boiler.

“This is because the calculations behind EPC ratings aren’t based purely on the efficiency of a property, they are also based on the cost required to heat and power a home.

“So when it comes to making improvements, it’s important to understand just what an EPC is and how it’s calculated.”