Millions of homeowners wrongly believe their property is energy efficient – but over half of homes have a poor EPC rating

A poll of 2,000 adults who own a home found 72 per cent think their property is economical in terms of its energy use, but two-thirds are unaware of what their energy performance certificate (EPC) rating is.
These range from A, the most energy efficient with the lowest costs, to G, the least efficient, with just under 50,000 homes in the UK currently getting top marks.
While figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities show nearly 14 million households – 59 per cent of domestic properties – have ratings between D and G, leaving them vulnerable to higher bills.
However, upon learning about EPC ratings, 84 per cent of all the homeowners polled estimate theirs would be C or above.
But despite this, nearly half (48 per cent) still took measures in the last year to make their properties more energy efficient.
Knowledge gap in energy efficiency across homeowners
The research was commissioned by Skipton Group to mark the expansion of its free EPC Plus report offering to all its 1.1million members – which aims to support more homeowners to understand how they can improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
Stuart Haire, the group chief executive, said: “We know that the rising cost of living and energy bills are at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds right now – but knowing accurately how energy efficient your home is can play a big part in helping you to reduce your energy bills.
“Our research has revealed a real knowledge gap across homeowners when it comes to understanding the true energy efficiency of their own homes, with many assuming their properties are more energy efficient than they really are.
“By not understanding the actual energy performance of their homes, it could be costing them hundreds of pounds in wasted energy – when even small changes could