With energy bills rising rapidly a good EPC rating is more important than ever before. In this post we will look at a few things you can do to make your house more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
If you didn’t know, EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate, the rating is essentially a review of your property’s energy efficiency.
Nowadays, all homes must have an EPC when they are being sold and the certificate is valid for ten years.
EPC ratings provide a range of grades for properties, range from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least.
The average UK home has a rating of D, so anything with C and above tends to be seen as quite good.
Newer homes tend to have better ratings as they have been built to more energy efficient standards, on average they are 60% more energy efficient than older homes.
How is your EPC Rating Decided?
All EPC ratings are carried out by a government-approved energy assessor. They look into how much energy a property uses per square metre and the amount of carbon dioxide it produces (given in tonnes per year).
They will assess the property’s lighting, heating, and hot water systems. The completed certificate will show your grade from A to G, along with the current costs for running the home – and the potential costs if the recommended energy-saving improvements are made.
Some of the things the assessment is based on is if a property has:
- Energy efficient bulbs
- An energy efficient boiler
- Thermostats for the home
- Thermostats for individual radiators
- Coal, gas, or log fires
- Loft and wall insulation
- Water pipe and tank insulation
- Renewable energy sources
- Air source heat pumps
- Water-saving systems
How to Improve Your EPC Rating
Energy Saving Light Bulbs
The quickest way to quickly bump up your EPC rating is to get energy efficient light bulbs. They can easily cut your lighting costs by over 50% and are very simple to buy and install.
Seal Any Draughts in Your Home
Common culprits can be floorboards, around windows, and the front and back doors.
Upgrade Your Boiler
Switching out the old boiler for a newer, more energy efficient model can boost your EPC rating – and make a big difference to your energy bills.
Get Lagging Jackets
Lagging jackets insulate your water pipes and greatly improve the efficiency of your water tank.
Install Insulation
Getting your home properly insulated is a great way of saving energy, especially in the colder months. Insulating your loft can help prevent up to 25% of your heating from escaping through the roof. And insulating your walls can help stop up to 35% from leaving your home.
Consider Investing in Solar Panels
Definitely the most expensive option on this list, but with rising energy costs having a renewable source of energy on your roof is becoming more and more appealing – Boosting your EPC rating is just a bonus.
Get a Log Burner
Alternatively, if your focus is trying to save on heating costs (more than the EPC rating), you can invest in a log burner. Install it in the right room and you can have heat spread throughout your entire home with just a few logs. You even get the added bonus of rustic charm.
With energy bills looking to remain high until at least October 2023, now could be a great time to look at your EPC rating and see what you can do to make your home more energy efficient.
While saving on the energy bills, improving your home’s rating can also increase its value and appeal to buyers – If you are interested in knowing your home’s current value, you can book a free valuation with your local expert.
Peter Austin
Peter is a writer and photographer with a great interest in property, design, and the economy.
