Whether you’re looking to lower your energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, we’re all thinking about ways to make greener choices at home.
Every property in the UK is given an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which measures its energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This rating not only impacts your home’s sustainability but also plays a big role in how much you’ll spend on energy each month.
How Much Are Energy Bills Right Now?
The latest analysis of recently listed homes for sale and rent in Rightmove shows a clear pattern—the better the EPC rating, the lower the energy costs. For instance, a three-bedroom semi-detached house with an EPC rating of D has an average monthly energy bill of £195, adding up to £2,340 per year.
Take a look at Rightmove’s energy bill tracker to see what you might pay annually, based on your EPC rating and property type:
Rightmove’s Disclaimer for the energy bill tracker: Average energy bill calculations are based on energy consumption data from the EPCs of all homes for sale on Rightmove in December 2024, combined with the latest energy meter data, factoring in the latest energy price cap for January – March 2025.
Where Can I Check the Average Energy Bill for a Property?
Every Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) includes an estimated annual energy bill covering heating, lighting, and hot water costs. This estimate is based on the property’s condition at the time of assessment. So, if upgrades like double glazing have been added after the certificate was issued, the energy savings won’t be reflected until a new EPC is created.
You’ll also find a list of recommended home improvements in the certificate. These suggestions show how many points they could add to your energy efficiency rating and how much they might help you reduce energy bills.
Of course, actual energy costs will depend on a few key factors—household size, lifestyle, and the home's current energy efficiency all play a role in how much energy you use.
Why Do Homes with Higher EPC Ratings Have Lower Energy Bills?
A greener home is simply one that’s more energy-efficient, meaning it uses less power to keep warm, well-lit, and running smoothly compared to a less efficient home.
Properties with lower EPC ratings need more energy for heating and lighting, which is why they come with higher energy bills and higher carbon emissions on average.
Many homes in the UK were built decades—or even centuries—ago, using older materials and technology. That’s why the average Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating in the UK is a D.
Making energy-efficient upgrades doesn’t just help reduce energy bills; it also lowers the amount of carbon dioxide emissions from your home. And with Office for National Statistics (ONS) data showing that 26% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from homes, greener choices make a real difference.
How Can I Save Money on My Energy Bills?
There are plenty of simple ways to reduce your energy usage at home, and when combined, they can lead to a significant drop in your energy bills. Some changes come at little to no cost but can make a noticeable difference in the long run.
These include:
Adjusting your combi boiler’s flow temperature for better efficiency
Closing curtains and blinds to retain heat
Applying for a smart meter to track and manage your energy use
Small mistakes can add hundreds to your energy bill, so it’s worth taking a closer look at common energy-wasting habits.
For even bigger savings, you might want to consider:
Installing a smart thermostat for better temperature control
Upgrading insulation to improve heat retention
You may also be wondering if switching energy suppliers or locking in a better tariff with your current provider could lower your bills. Our energy comparison calculator can provide personalised energy quotes, helping you see how much you could save.
How Can I Make My Home More Energy Efficient?
If you’re thinking about bigger upgrades to make your home greener, you might be considering retrofitting—which includes improvements like solar panels, triple glazing, better insulation, or switching to a heat pump. These upgrades are often listed on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) as recommended improvements, meaning they could also help boost your home’s EPC rating.
While upfront costs can be a barrier, the long-term benefits often outweigh the investment, including:
Lower carbon footprint – Reducing your home’s reliance on fossil fuel heating and switching to low-carbon energy sources helps cut emissions.
Reduced energy usage – Our energy-saving guides break down the cost of improvements and the savings you can expect on your energy bills.
Increased property value – Our analysis shows that sellers who upgrade their EPC rating from F to C could see an average house price increase of nearly £56,000—on top of local market growth (Rightmove Greener Homes Report 2023). Want to check your home’s value? Get an Instant Valuation in seconds.
There are also government grants and schemes to help with the cost of green improvements, including the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
What Could Happen to Energy Bills in the Future?
From January to March 2025, the energy price cap has risen to £1,738, which is £21 higher (+1.2%) than the previous cap of £1,717 (October to December 2024).
Looking ahead, Cornwall Insight, a leading energy market analyst, predicts that energy prices could rise again from Spring 2025. The next price cap update will be announced in February 2025, giving us a clearer picture of what to expect.
However, these forecasts aren’t set in stone. Wholesale gas prices are influenced by global events, and any significant changes in the energy market could impact future bills.
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