EPC Rating C Explained
Good energy efficiency (69-80)
An EPC rating of C represents good energy efficiency and is the government's target rating for all rental properties by 2030. C-rated homes have lower-than-average energy bills at around £1,400 per year and produce less carbon than typical UK properties. Approximately 30% of UK properties have a C rating, making it the most common rating for newer homes.
What Does an EPC Rating C Mean?
A C-rated property has good overall energy efficiency with effective insulation and a reasonably efficient heating system. These homes maintain comfortable temperatures without excessive energy use and represent the baseline for modern energy standards.
C is increasingly seen as the minimum acceptable standard for energy efficiency. The government has proposed that all rental properties must achieve at least a C rating by 2030 for new tenancies and 2030 for existing tenancies.
Typical Properties with Rating C
Modern or recently serviced gas boiler
Cavity wall insulation
Loft insulation of 200mm or more
Double glazing throughout
Some draught-proofing measures
Mostly energy-efficient lighting
Energy Costs for C-Rated Properties
Properties with an EPC rating of C typically cost around £1400 per year to heat and power, based on current UK energy prices.
How to Improve from Rating C
C-rated properties can be improved to B or A with these upgrades:
Top up loft insulation
Increase from 200mm to 300mm for improved heat retention
Smart heating controls
Better temperature management with smart thermostat
Solar PV panels
Generate your own electricity
Can I Rent a Property with Rating C?
Fully compliant for rental
C is the proposed minimum standard for rentals from 2028.
Under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), landlords in England and Wales cannot grant new tenancies for properties rated F or G unless they have a valid exemption. The government has proposed increasing this minimum to C by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C a good EPC rating?
Yes, C is above the national average of D and represents good energy efficiency. It's the government's target rating for all rental properties.
Will I need to improve a C-rated rental property?
Currently no, but the government has proposed that all rentals must be C-rated by 2030 (new tenancies) and 2030 (existing tenancies). A C rating already meets this proposed requirement.
What's the difference between C and D ratings?
C-rated homes typically cost £400 less per year to run than D-rated homes and produce about 0.8 tonnes less CO2 annually.
EPC Rating Scale
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