About The Rating Guide

Plain-English research on UK Energy Performance Certificates, with the real numbers.

Who we are

The Rating Guide is an independent information resource about Energy Performance Certificates in the UK. We're not an assessor, installer, landlord association, or government body. We research and publish plain-English guides on what EPC ratings mean, how to check them, and how to improve them.

How we research

Every article is built from primary sources: the gov.uk EPC register, Energy Saving Trust guidance, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regulations, and official statistics from the Office for National Statistics. We cite every factual claim with a numbered reference at the bottom of each article.

Articles are drafted using AI research tools, then reviewed by editorial staff to verify citations, check for errors, and remove AI writing tells. We publish the date each article was last reviewed at the top and bottom of the page. When regulations change (e.g. landlord EPC requirements), we update the affected articles within 7 days.

What we don't do

We don't accept paid placements in articles, affiliate commissions from assessors or installers, or advertising that could bias our content. We don't recommend specific companies. When we link to external resources, it's to official government guidance or reputable national bodies (Energy Saving Trust, Citizens Advice).

Not professional advice

Our guides are informational only. They're not a substitute for professional advice from a qualified energy assessor, surveyor, or solicitor. EPC regulations vary by country (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland each have different rules), and exemptions apply in specific cases. Always check the official gov.uk guidance for your situation, or consult a professional.

Contact

If you've spotted an error, a source that needs updating, or a regulation change we haven't caught yet, email us at hello@theratingguide.co.uk. We respond to corrections and source flags within 48 hours.

We can't answer general EPC questions by email (we'd need to see your certificate to give useful advice, and we're not qualified assessors). For specific advice, use the gov.uk EPC register to find your certificate, then contact a local assessor or the Energy Saving Trust advice service.