Wales ranks as amongst the worst counties for energy inefficient homes, according to new research.

Gwynedd takes second spot for having 74.3 per cent of homes rated D or below in energy efficiency ratings out of all of England and Wales.

Ceredigion comes fourth with 72.6 per cent of homes with an EPC rating of D or below.

Whilst the overall picture isn’t great, with more than half of homes (55 per cent) in England and Wales rated as inefficient with the Isles of Scilly at the top, nine out of the worst 30 counties belong to Wales, including Denbighshire (15th), Isle of Anglesey (16th), Carmarthenshire, Conwy, Powys, Blaenau Gwent and Pembrokeshire.

It comes as EPC rating systems are set to be overhauled this year, with new metrics measuring a buildings energy performance including fabric performance, heating system, smart readiness and energy cost - these new metrics are set to become compulsory for use in 2029.

In 2030, landlords will be expected to keep their rental properties at a minimum of a C rating, with experts stating this could be harder to achieve under the new measurement system, HEM (Home Energy Model.

North Wales has a significant amount of old and ageging housing stock, with some of the highest rates for oil heating use.

Commenting on the findings, Jack Reading from exterior paint specialists, Emperor Paint, which conducted the research, recommends looking into exterior wall surfaces to improve thermal performance, keep heat in and moisture out: “Changes to energy performance certificates mean that they will now be based on how properties retain heat, rather than how much energy a property uses.

“As weather conditions become more extreme, with warmer summer and wetter winters, exterior wall coatings not being included in EPC ratings represents a growing gap in how home energy efficiency is measured.”