An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a key document when buying, selling or renting a property. It provides key information about a home’s energy efficiency, including energy bills and carbon emissions. The EPC is valid for 10 years, so it’s important to keep it up to date. You can check your property’s current EPC rating using the government register.
Your Home’s EPC Rating Is Important, so Why Do You Need to Improve It?
The recommendations on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) are a great place to start if you want to make your home more energy efficient. An EPC is required by law whenever a property is built, sold or rented, and it assesses how energy efficient a home is. The higher the EPC rating, the more attractive the property will be to potential buyers or renters. This is because a higher rating means the home is more energy efficient, and therefore it will cost less to heat and light. Even if you rent, you could still make some improvements noted on the EPC, such as switching to more energy-efficient light bulbs. By taking action to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you could save money on your energy bills and make your property more appealing to potential renters or buyers.
Making your home more energy efficient doesn’t have to be a big undertaking—in fact, there are several small changes you can make that will add up to big savings on your energy bill. Here are some of the most effective ways to increase your home’s EPC rating.
Wall Insulation
Many homeowners are faced with a long list of energy-saving improvements recommended by their energy performance certificate (EPC). While some of these updates may require a significant investment of time and money, others can be easily accomplished with minimal effort. One of the most common recommendations for an EPC is to install wall insulation. Given that around one-third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escape through the walls, it makes sense to begin here. Most homes in the UK have cavity walls, and the gap can be filled with insulation. If you have solid walls, these can be insulated from the inside or outside of your home. By taking this simple step, you can improve your home’s energy efficiency and potentially save money on your energy bills.
Floor Insulation
If you’re looking for ways to save money on heating bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency, insulating your ground floor is a great option. By insulating under the floorboards, you can reduce heat loss and draughts, which can save you over £100 a year on an average detached property. However, even if you’re not planning on doing any major renovations, there are still things you can do to reduce draughts and improve your home’s energy efficiency. Sealing the gaps between floors and skirting boards is a quick and easy way to reduce heat loss, and it’s something you can do yourself with a tube of sealant from any DIY store. So, if you’re looking for ways to save money on your heating bills, insulating your ground floor is a great place to start.
Insulate Your Loft
Heat loss through the roof is a significant contributor to high energy bills and wasted energy in the home. Most homes have some form of loft insulation, but often it is not enough to prevent heat escape. Topping up insulation to at least 270mm will help significantly reduce heat loss. In many cases, it is possible to insulate oneself, provided the loft is easy to access and there are no problems with dampness or condensation. Not only will this help save money on energy bills, but it will also be beneficial for the environment.
Invest in Low-e Double-glazed Windows to Replace Single-glazed Ones
Making your windows more energy efficient is a great way to reduce your energy bills and make your home feel warmer. Double glazing is the most popular option, although costs vary depending on the materials and style. PVC windows tend to be cheaper, for example, while hardwood frames are the most expensive. By installing A-rated double glazing to windows in an entirely single-glazed semi-detached gas-heated property, you could save almost £150 a year. Not only will this save you money, but it will also help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Dramatically Improve Your Home’s EPC Rating With EPC Near Me
Making your home more energy efficient is easier than you think and can save you a lot of money in the long run. By making just a few small changes, you can dramatically improve your home’s EPC rating and reduce your monthly energy bill. So, what are you waiting for? Reach out to your local EPC assessor and start saving today!