Consumer Focus has published research which is claims shows that Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are not influencing four out of five homebuyers who see them.

The consumer watchdog, undertook a survey to find out how useful prospective buyers and tenants found the certificates, which landlords and homeowners are legally required to provide when selling or letting a home. It also found that only one in five people who received the information said it had any influence on their decision to buy or rent the property.

However, when asked what features in a new home were most important to them, apart from price and size, one in seven people said energy efficiency mattered most.

Consumer Focus says EPCs are vital to the success of the government’s Green Deal, which aims to cut emissions from homes. In future they must help consumers understand how to access the Green Deal and whether a property has a Green Deal loan attached to it, the watchdog says.

It is calling for the EPC to be changed to make it clearer how much money people can save by carrying out the suggested energy efficiency measures, especially with regard to the Green Deal. Information could also be included to help consumers compare the likely differences in heating bills between homes.

Liz Lain&eacute, energy spokesperson at Consumer Focus, said: “Our survey shows that energy efficiency can influence people when choosing a new home. But the information in the EPC is not helping people act on those concerns. With the Green Deal just around the corner