Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

Checking your homes EPC is a great way to start to see what your current rating is and checking recommended improvements to increase this.

 

How do they work?

An EPC rating, or Energy Performance Certificate rating, gives you a general idea of how energy-efficient a property is. The EPC rating uses a scale from A–G, with A representing the most efficient and G standing for the least efficient. Energy Performance Certificates last for 10 years.

A higher energy-efficient rating can give you a better return on your investment by adding value to your property. EPCs also give you recommendations on how you can improve your rating and show the money you could save if you do. Plus, EPC reports help prospective buyers or renters make informed choices. Low ratings mean energy bills will be higher than a property with a better rating.

Source: gov.uk/energy-performance-certificates

Check if you have an EPC using the EPC register

Before you decide to get an EPC, be sure you check if your property already has one, as they’re valid for 10 years.

If you’re in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, use the government’s service to check if you have an existing EPC.

If you’re in Scotland, there’s a different way to check for energy certificates.

Popular improvements to consider

Insulation

Insulation will help keep more heat in your home, ensuring warmer winters and less need to use your radiators.

Adding loft insulation, or insulating wall cavities, can improve the energy efficiency of your home and your rating.

Although installing insulation can involve a large upfront cost, you might find that you make your money back over time in savings on bills.

Solar energy

Solar panels are a more expensive option and may not always be possible as you’ll need special permission to install them on your roof.

Generating much of your power yourself can improve your home’s efficiency, boost your EPC rating and save you money on your energy bills.

Using renewable energy can mean significant improvements on how your house is graded, solar panels, mini-wind turbines could be expensive and are a longer term solution.

Upgrade to a Heat Pump

Heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, so it’s best to check this out before you start thinking about getting a heat pump.

Most heat pumps can use existing radiators to heat your home. Sometimes, your existing radiators might need upgrading to ensure a heat pump works efficiently. Heat pumps usually work well with existing underfloor heating too.

If you are already generating electricity with solar, then this option might make your home more self-sufficient and save you money.

 

Apply for a home improvement loan

To apply for a home improvement loan, you need to:
 

  • be aged 18 or older
  • be a UK resident (excluding Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)
  • have held a Lloyds Bank current account for at least 1 month
  • be in paid employment or have a regular income and are not a full-time student
  • have a good credit score, with no history of bad credit, such as County Court Judgements (CCJs) or bankruptcy.

 

Apply now

How much we lend and the rate available are subject to our assessment of your circumstances. You must be 18 years of age or over and a UK resident. You must have had a Lloyds Bank Current Account for more than one month.