{"id":5209,"date":"2026-10-02T14:23:39","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T14:23:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/?post_type=mwh_cpd_course&p=5209"},"modified":"2026-10-04T07:36:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-04T07:36:39","slug":"understanding-epc-ratings-free-cpd-taster","status":"publish","type":"mwh_cpd_course","link":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/cpd-course\/understanding-epc-ratings-free-cpd-taster\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding EPC Ratings \u2014 Free CPD Taster"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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FREE CPD TASTER \/ ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EPC is the result. The assessment is the evidence behind it.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

This introductory MyWarmHome CPD module explores how construction, insulation, glazing, heating and controls contribute to an EPC assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OPEN-BOOK LEARNING \u00b7 APPROX. 30\u201340 MINUTES \u00b7 10 QUESTIONS \u00b7 70% TO PASS<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Before you start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learn to distinguish observed evidence from assumptions, recognise key building features and interpret the EPC band. Read the linked guidance as you work. This introductory course does not qualify you as an energy assessor; employers and professional bodies set their own CPD requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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01 \/ WHAT AN EPC MEASURES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A standardised view of the dwelling.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An EPC describes modelled energy performance using dwelling information and standard assumptions, rather than the current household\u2019s actual bills. Existing-home assessments use a reduced data methodology. The familiar bands are A: 92+, B: 81\u201391, C: 69\u201380, D: 55\u201368, E: 39\u201354, F: 21\u201338 and G: 1\u201320.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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02 \/ WALLS & CONSTRUCTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the construction evidence.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wall construction and insulation influence heat loss. Consider the building age, wall thickness, brick bond, openings and available documents. Header bricks can suggest solid masonry but appearance alone does not prove the complete construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REAL-WORLD CASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visible header bricks are a useful clue consistent with traditional solid brick construction. They should still be considered alongside other evidence such as wall thickness, age, openings and the wider building. A photograph provides evidence, but it should not automatically be treated as proof on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reading \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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03 \/ FLOORS, ROOFS & INSULATION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What separates the heated home from outside?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Identify what separates the heated dwelling from outside. A low threshold and no visible sub-floor ventilation are clues to a solid floor in this example, not a universal rule. Measure loft insulation and check whether the measurement represents the accessible area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REAL-WORLD CASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this particular property, the low entrance level and absence of visible under-floor ventilation support the conclusion that the ground floor is solid. These are clues rather than a universal rule. The assessor should combine all available evidence before deciding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reading \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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REAL-WORLD CASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ruler shows approximately 275 mm of loft insulation. Measuring the insulation gives stronger evidence than estimating the depth by eye. The assessor should also consider whether the measured point is representative of the accessible loft area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reading \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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04 \/ WINDOWS & GLAZING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frames and panes tell different stories.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Record frame material separately from glazing type. Timber frames can contain single or multiple glazing. Use visible panes, spacer bars, markings and documentation rather than assumptions based on frame material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Choose\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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REAL-WORLD CASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The photograph shows a timber-framed window containing single panes of glass. The frame material and glazing type are separate observations: a timber window should not automatically be assumed to be single glazed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reading \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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05 \/ HEATING, HOT WATER & CONTROLS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Record the system and controls that are present.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Main heating, fuel, efficiency, hot-water systems and controls contribute to the assessment. Record what is installed. A programmable room thermostat combines time scheduling with room-temperature control. Do not assume controls are present because a boiler is modern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Choose\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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REAL-WORLD CASE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The control incorporates programmed time operation and room-temperature control, making it a programmable room thermostat. Controls should be recorded from what is actually installed rather than assumed from the age or type of boiler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Supporting reading \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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06 \/ WHAT CHANGES THE RATING<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the property, not just the certificate.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Insulation, heating, controls, efficient lighting and suitable renewables can affect calculated performance. A score of 68 is Band D; 69 is Band C. An EPC recommendation is not a complete retrofit specification: assess suitability, moisture, ventilation and the whole building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read: supporting guidance \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Read the property, not just the certificate.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ask what was observed, what was inferred, what evidence was available and whether improvements suit this home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ready to test your understanding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The assessment contains 10 open-book questions, including five property photographs. You need 7 correct answers (70%) to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Start the assessment \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A practical open-book introduction to EPC evidence, construction, insulation, glazing and heating controls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-5209","mwh_cpd_course","type-mwh_cpd_course","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mwh_cpd_course\/5209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mwh_cpd_course"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/mwh_cpd_course"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mwh_cpd_course\/5209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5261,"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/mwh_cpd_course\/5209\/revisions\/5261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mywarmhome.co.uk\/stage\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}