Properties that have been marketed for sale from 14 December 2007 in England and Wales require a Home Information Pack (HIP), which includes a home energy rating, also known as an Energy Performance Certificate. An EPC gives home sellers an "A to G" rating for their home's energy efficiency to help cut carbon emissions and fuel bills, (a similar rating to labels found on new domestic appliances).

Only properly qualified and certificated Domestic Energy Assessors are allowed to prepare Energy Performance Certificates.

EPC's contain:

• information on your home's energy use and carbon dioxide emissions
• a recommendation report with suggestions to reduce energy use and carbon dioxide emissions

EPCs carry ratings that compare the current energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions with potential figures that your home could achieve. Potential figures are calculated by estimating what the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions would be if energy saving measures were put in place.

The rating measures the energy and carbon emission efficiency of your home using a grade from "A" to "G". An "A" rating is the most efficient, while "G" is the least efficient. The average efficiency grade to date is "D". All homes are measured using the same calculations, so you can compare the energy efficiency of different properties.

Around 27 per cent of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from domestic homes. Carbon dioxide contributes to climate change.

EPCs also provide a detailed recommendation report showing what you could do to help reduce the amount of energy you use and your carbon dioxide emissions. The report lists:

• suggested improvements, like fitting loft insulation
• possible cost savings per year, if the improvements are made
• how the recommendations would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

You don't have to act on the recommendations in the recommendation report. However, if you decide to do so, it could make your property more attractive for sale or rent by making it more energy efficient.

• detailed estimates of potential energy use, carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs
• details of the person who carried out the EPC assessment
• who to contact if you want to make a complaint

For more information on Energy Performance Certificates please click to visit the Government website on HIPs & EPCs