EPC Rating B: What It Means and Is It Good?

An EPC rating of B means a property scored between 81 and 91 on the 1 to 100 energy efficiency scale. In short, it is a very good rating, and only band A is higher. A B-rated home already meets today’s rules and the band C standard planned for rented homes by 2030.

This guide explains where band B sits, why some homes reach it more easily than others, what it costs to run, and how to move from C to B. If you want to see your own rating first, our free EPC rating check takes a few seconds.

Where band B sits on the scale

Every EPC gives a home a letter and a score. The letter is just a summary of the score, so the number matters too. For example, a home scoring 81 is one point above a C. By contrast, a home scoring 91 is one point away from an A, which our guide to EPC rating A explains.

Because of this, it is worth checking the score as well as the letter. A home near the bottom of band B could slip to C at its next assessment, especially if the assessor cannot confirm its insulation.

Is an EPC rating of B good?

Yes. Band B is a very good rating for a home in England and Wales. It means the property holds heat well and has efficient heating. In fact, the typical home in England scores just 69, which is the very bottom of band C, so a B is well above average.

Here is what a B means depending on who you are:

• Selling. A B is a strong selling point, since buyers can expect lower running costs than in most homes.
• Buying. A B suggests the home should not need major efficiency work soon. Even so, check the date on the certificate, because an EPC lasts 10 years.
• Letting. A B clears today’s legal minimum of E, and it already meets the planned 2030 standard of C.
• Living in the home. There is little to fix. The certificate may still suggest a few extras, such as solar panels.

Why a B means different things in different homes

The same letter can tell a different story depending on the type of home. For example:

• New-build homes. A B is common, because modern building rules require good insulation and efficient heating from the start.
• Flats. Shared walls, floors and ceilings keep heat in, so many flats score well even with fairly basic heating.
• Older houses. A B is much less common. If a 1930s semi or Victorian terrace has a B, it has usually had significant upgrades, such as wall insulation, a modern boiler, double glazing or solar panels.

So if you are buying an older home rated B, it is worth asking what work was done and when. The certificate lists the main features the assessor recorded.

What does a B-rated home cost to run?

The government’s English Housing Survey models average energy costs by band. In its 2022 to 2023 report, homes rated A to C averaged around £1,081 a year, or about £90 a month. Meanwhile, homes rated D averaged around £1,561 a year, or about £130 a month.

The survey does not publish a separate figure for band B. However, a B-rated home would usually sit towards the lower end of the A to C range. Bear in mind that the rating reflects the building, not how you live in it. So a large family that heats the home all day will still pay more than a single person in the same property.

How to improve an EPC rating from C to B

For an existing home, moving from C to B is usually harder than moving from D to C. This is because the cheaper gains, such as loft insulation and LED lighting, are often already done. Follow these steps in order:

1. Check your score. A home scoring 79 or 80 is close to B. By contrast, a home on 70 has further to go.
2. Read the potential rating. Your certificate shows the band the home could reach after the suggested improvements. If the potential rating is C, a B may not be realistic.
3. Look at the bigger measures. Solar panels, a heat pump, or wall insulation for solid walls usually make the biggest difference at this level.
4. Gather your paperwork. Assessors can only record what they can see or what you can prove. Without evidence, the software may assume older defaults, which lowers the score.
5. Get a new EPC. Your old certificate will not update by itself. Once the work is done, a new assessment is the only way to show the better rating.

For many homes, especially older houses, C is a sensible target and B is a bonus. Our guide to EPC rating C explains what a C involves.

How an assessor works out a B rating

For existing homes, assessors use a method called RdSAP, which stands for Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure. New builds, on the other hand, use the full SAP method, based on the building’s design. Either way, the result is a score, and a score of 81 to 91 is a B.

During the visit, the assessor records the property’s age and floor area, the walls, the loft, the windows, the heating system and controls, the hot water, the lighting and any solar panels. Then the software estimates the home’s energy costs per square metre under standard conditions. As a result, the score reflects the building rather than your actual bills.

Frequently asked questions

Is an EPC rating of B good?

Yes. A B is a very good rating, and only band A is higher. It means the home is well insulated and efficiently heated, and it already meets the band C standard planned for rented homes by 2030.

How much is EPC rating B per month?

There is no fixed figure, because bills depend on the home and how it is used. As a rough guide, the government’s English Housing Survey modelled average energy costs of about £90 a month for homes rated A to C. A B-rated home would usually sit towards the lower end of that range.

How can I improve my EPC rating from C to B?

Start with the potential rating and recommendations on your certificate. At this level, solar panels, a heat pump or solid wall insulation usually make the biggest difference. Then get a new EPC to show the improved rating.

How do I get an EPC B rating for my property?

Most new builds reach B through modern building standards. For an older home, it usually takes several improvements together, such as wall and loft insulation, efficient heating and good glazing. Check your certificate’s potential rating to see whether a B is realistic.

Does a B rating mean low energy bills?

Not necessarily. The rating measures how efficient the building is under standard assumptions. Your actual bills also depend on how many people live there, how long the heating is on and what you pay for energy.

Is A+++ the same as an EPC rating?

No. A+++ appeared on older energy labels for appliances such as fridges and washing machines. Home EPCs use a separate A to G scale, where A is the highest band.

Can my EPC rating drop from B to C?

Yes, it can. Assessment methods change over time, and an assessor can only record what they can see or what you can prove. So a home near the bottom of band B could drop to C at its next assessment.

To learn more about the full scale, read EPC ratings explained, or browse all our EPC guides. Most domestic EPCs cost £60 to £120, and our guide to how much an EPC costs explains why. With us, an EPC costs £69 for up to 3 bedrooms or £79 for 4 bedrooms. If you already know you need an assessment, you can book an EPC assessment now.