Four in five rural off-grid homeowners fear that Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reforms could mean replacing heating systems unnecessarily, according to research by trade body Liquid Gas UK.
Under domestic EPC reforms, which are expected to launch in the second half of 2027, a new Home Energy Model (HEM) should give households clearer information about their home’s energy performance and help reduce bills and emissions.
However, under current proposals, homes heated mainly by oil or Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) would not achieve a C on the new Heating System rating.
This could put pressure on owners to replace working heating systems with costly or unsuitable alternatives, raising concerns for the 2.2 million homes off the gas grid and 1.4 million UK homes that rely on traditional heating fuels.
Still, three-quarters of those surveyed knew little or nothing about the planned EPC changes.
Of the 100 homeowners polled, 54% said they could only afford less than £2,500 or less towards EPC-related improvements, while 24% could afford nothing.
After learning about the proposed changes, two-thirds of those surveyed were concerned their home could receive a lower EPC rating, while 69% worried a poorer rating could make their property harder to sell or rent.
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