My EPC Is Wrong

If you’ve received an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) that looks “wrong”, you’re not alone. EPC ratings are designed to help buyers and tenants understand energy efficiency, but they can be inaccurate when the underlying information is incomplete or incorrect. Sometimes the mistake is something simple, like an incorrect room measurement, boiler type, or construction element. Other times, the EPC is “correct on paper” based on assumptions, but those assumptions don’t match how the property actually performs. Either way, an inaccurate EPC can affect marketing, searches, and potentially compliance decisions.

At PropCert.co.uk, we help UK landlords, homeowners, and commercial property owners resolve EPC issues through proper data checks and the correct compliance approach. In this guide, we’ll explain why EPCs can be wrong, what evidence to gather, and what your practical next steps are if you believe your EPC needs correction. We’ll also cover how to avoid unnecessary delays and extra costs so your energy rating is as accurate as possible.

Common reasons “my EPC is wrong”

EPCs rely heavily on property information captured through inspections and assessments. If any detail is missing, misrecorded, or based on assumptions, the final rating can shift. Even small changes—like the property’s age band, wall construction, window type, or heating fuel—can influence the estimated energy costs and the score. When you review your EPC and feel the result doesn’t match reality, it usually comes back to the data used to generate it.

• Incorrect property size or room dimensions (e.g., gross internal floor area entered incorrectly).
• Assumed or misidentified construction details (e.g., cavity wall vs solid wall, insulation thickness).
• Boiler and heating system inaccuracies (e.g., type of boiler, controls, whether heating is regular/centralised).
• Heating fuel or hot water system errors (e.g., gas vs electric, combi vs system boiler assumptions).
• Inaccurate window and doors information (e.g., double glazing type, number of windows).
• Missing ventilation or airtightness-related details that affect the energy model.
• Incorrect energy efficiency measures listed (e.g., loft insulation depth or cavity fill status).
• Data-entry or calculation mistakes during the assessment process.

It’s also worth noting that EPCs are assessments, not physical “energy testing” in the everyday sense. They estimate performance from inputs. If those inputs are wrong—or if key elements were hard to verify at the time of the inspection—your EPC may not reflect how the property actually performs.

How to tell if your EPC is truly incorrect

Before taking action, it helps to compare what’s shown on your EPC with what you know about the property. Start by checking the key sections that drive the rating. Look at the description of construction, the heating system, the insulation measures, and any improvements already credited. If the EPC says a feature exists that you don’t have, or fails to list a measure you installed, that’s a strong indication the assessment inputs are wrong.

Next, verify dates and documentation. Many EPCs list assumptions that were valid at the time of inspection, but the property may have changed since then—for example, replacing windows, upgrading the boiler, adding loft insulation, or fitting new controls. If improvements were completed after the EPC was produced, the solution may be to commission an updated EPC rather than “correcting” outdated data. If the EPC is wrong from the outset, you may be able to request a revision based on evidence.

• Compare EPC claims to physical evidence (e.g., inspection hatches for loft insulation, boiler model/age).
• Check what the EPC lists for walls, roof, and glazing against surveys or installation records.
• Look at the “recommendations” section—if it suggests measures you already have, inputs may be incorrect.
• Review the heating system details (boiler type, controls, hot water cylinder status if applicable).
• Confirm floor area using council records, floor plans, or measurement results (especially for extensions).
• Collect installation certificates and invoices for insulation, windows, heating controls, and boiler replacements.

If you’re unsure, PropCert.co.uk can help you assess what may be wrong and the most efficient way to address it. The key is choosing the right route—whether that’s correction of inputs, an updated assessment, or additional verification. Getting this right early can prevent rework and help you move forward with confidence.

What to do if your EPC is wrong (practical next steps)

Once you suspect the EPC is incorrect, your next step is to gather evidence and identify exactly which inputs are inaccurate. This typically means matching the EPC’s recorded features to documents, photos, and measurable property details. The more precise your evidence, the easier it is to demonstrate what should be changed. If you believe there has also been a change to the property since the EPC was generated, you may need a fresh EPC calculation instead.

After reviewing the EPC content, you should contact a competent EPC assessor or compliance provider to discuss the issue. Not every “low rating” is a mistake, and not every EPC can be “corrected” without re-assessment if data can’t be evidenced. PropCert.co.uk will help you understand whether you’re dealing with incorrect inputs, missing verified information, or changes that occurred after the assessment. This approach reduces the chance of delays and helps you protect your time and budget.

• Step 1: Identify the mismatch between EPC statements and real features (heating, insulation, glazing, floor area).
• Step 2: Gather supporting proof (invoices, product specifications, photos, service reports, floor plans).
• Step 3: Discuss the issue with a compliance specialist to determine whether the EPC needs revision or a new assessment.
• Step 4: Commission the correct service to reflect true property conditions.
• Step 5: Ensure your compliance plan stays on track for future lettings, sales, or regulatory targets.

If you’re a landlord, inaccurate EPC information can complicate letting decisions and energy-efficiency planning. If you’re selling a property, an unexpected rating can affect buyer perception and negotiations. If you’re an agent or homeowner, incorrect data can also create confusion and additional admin. Acting quickly with the right evidence and the correct assessment approach helps you move from uncertainty to a credible outcome.

How PropCert.co.uk can help you resolve EPC problems

PropCert.co.uk is a UK-wide property compliance and certification company supporting landlords, homeowners, estate agents, and commercial property owners. We specialise in EPCs and a broad range of compliance services, including Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), Gas Safety Certificates (CP12), PAT testing, fire risk assessments, asbestos surveys, and other inspection types. If your EPC issue is tied to other compliance areas—such as heating, ventilation, or building fabric—having a single trusted provider can streamline your process. Our goal is to help you get the right paperwork aligned with the right property reality.

For new-build compliance and higher-detail energy verification, PropCert.co.uk also supports services such as SAP EPCs, air pressure testing, ventilation testing, and Part O calculations. This matters because energy performance isn’t only about “what the form says”—it depends on accurate inputs and validated building performance. If your EPC doesn’t match your property, our team will help you identify the most practical route to correct it. Contact PropCert.co.uk to discuss your EPC concerns and the evidence you can provide.

Don’t wait until your next inspection, sale, or letting cycle. If your EPC rating looks wrong, it’s usually fixable when the underlying inputs are reviewed properly. With the right approach, you can protect compliance, reduce friction with stakeholders, and ensure your property’s energy information is credible and up to date.