The Energy Performance Certificate is broadly similar to the certificates found on many domestic appliances.

A certificate for a dwelling represents an asset rating based on its energy efficiency, but doesn't take into account how the home is used by the occupiers. The certificate will give the building a rating from A to G. An A rating shows it's very efficient, meaning lower fuel bills, while G is inefficient, which would result in higher fuel bills. The certificate will also show the building's environmental impact by indicating its carbon-dioxide emissions.  

The energy efficiency rating is a measure of the overall efficiency of a home. The higher the rating the more energy efficient the home is and the lower the fuel bills will be. The environmental impact rating is a measure of this home's impact on the environment. The higher the rating the less impact it has on the environment.

The certificate also contains recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the property, which includes lower and higher cost measures.

An example of a lower cost measure may be to add an insulating jacket to the hot water tank, whilst a higher cost measure may be to replace the central heating boiler for a more energy efficient model.