Just one in 10 homeowners have discussed their energy performance certificate (EPC) rating, says the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB).

In addition to this, 64% of homeowners do not know the EPC rating of their property and, of those who do know, only 27% do so because they want to make energy efficiency improvements.

MAB asked 2,000 mortgage- and homeowners about this topic during November last year, the results being published to coincide with ‘Big Energy Saving Week’, a national campaign that runs from until 23 January.

Further results show that two-thirds of homeowners do not know about the minimum EPC C rating regulation coming by 2035 or the private rental accommodation rules set to come into force in 2025.

MAB deputy chief executive Ben Thompson comments: “During this energy-saving week, it would be great if advisers could take the initiative and discuss EPC ratings with their clients.

“The government’s deadline of 2025 for private rental accommodation to be a minimum of grade C is fast approaching, and landlords will need to act soon with regard to retrofitting older properties. However, there remains a lack of knowledge about this deadline or the benefits – asides from reduced energy bills – that come with higher EPC ratings.

He adds: “When people think about upgrading their EPC rating, many will think of the impact it will have on their energy bill and the climate.

“However, it can also make you eligible for green mortgage deals that often come with incentives, such as lower interest rates. Retrofitting and upgrading your property’s EPC can also increase the value of your home, as homeowners strive to be more energy efficient.”

On Friday, 13 January, a government report on energy efficiency and ‘net zero’ floated the idea of landlords being made to include an ‘average bill cost’ alongside an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating by 2033.