An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating reflects a home’s energy efficiency. The higher the EPC rating (A being the highest, most energy efficient rating, G being the lowest) the more efficient the property.
A home’s EPC rating is determined by various factors, including insulation, heating systems, lighting, and whether renewable energy sources play a part in powering the home. Typically, the more efficient the property, the more money is saved when running the home.
Improving your home’s EPC rating may require a level of financial investment. However, the longer you live in the property, the more likely it is you’ll recoup this money through the savings made from increased efficiencies (i.e money saved on your energy bills). There can also be financial incentives and government grants available for energy efficient home improvements to help offset some of the cost of upgrades.
How can you improve your home’s EPC rating?
Insulation is key: Perhaps one of the most important ways to improve a property’s EPC rating, minimise its environmental impact and reduce energy bills, is by effectively insulating your property. Around a third of all heat lost in the home escapes through the walls, so installing cavity wall insulation would make a big impact in keeping heat in, and cold out. Another quarter of heat escapes through the roof of a home. Upgrading your loft insulation would be a cost-effective and accessible option to increase the efficiency of your home and could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bills.
Upgrade your boiler: An outdated boiler can significantly drag down your EPC rating. Investing in a modern, energy-efficient boiler not only improves your home’s rating but can also reduce your energy bills over time.
Renewable energy sources: Embracing renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels or heat pumps, can elevate your home’s EPC rating while simultaneously decreasing your dependence on traditional, fossil fuel reliant energy sources.
Energy-efficient lighting: Swapping traditional bulbs for energy-efficient LED lighting not only improves your EPC rating but also lowers your electricity bills. LED bulbs use significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional ones, providing a quick and relatively inexpensive way for you to improve the EPC rating of your property.
Financial benefits
Improving your home’s energy efficiency directly translates to reduced energy consumption, and therefore lower energy bills, saving you money each month. Homes with higher EPC ratings are also perceived as more desirable, both by home movers and mortgage lenders. Enhancing your home’s energy efficiency could potentially increase its market value, providing a greater return on your EPC friendly investments.
