Ways to improve your EPC rating
Making your home more energy efficient can save you money in the long run by lowering your utility bills. It can make your property more environmentally friendly too.
Here are some of the benefits of improving your EPC rating:
- Lower energy bills – If your home is more energy efficient, you’ll pay less to keep it warm. In fact, you could save up to £300 a year.
- Potential higher returns – When you sell your home, buyers may be willing to pay a little more if they know their energy bills will be lower.
- Lower carbon footprint – Making your home more energy efficient means you’re helping to do your bit for the environment .
Source: energyperformancecertificates.co.uk, EDF energy
So how can you improve your rating? Your EPC report will set out the priority improvements that will make the biggest difference, but here are some of the most common.
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.
Double glazing
Heat escapes out of windows, especially those with single glazing or a wooden frame. Improving your frames or level of glazing can boost your EPC rating and better insulate your property for the colder months. Adding A rated double glazing to a gas-heated, semi-detached home can save around £195 a year.
Many modern homes will have double-glazed windows already, especially new builds, but you might still find wooden-framed windows on older properties.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Solar photovoltaic panels
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. However, generating much of your power yourself can improve your home’s efficiency, boost your EPC rating and save you money on your energy bills.
Renewable energy in general can mean big improvements on how your house is graded, solar panels, mini-wind turbines could be expensive and are a longer term solution.
LED lighting
It’s possible to make minor changes that don’t involve major renovations to your property. Switching your interior lighting to long-life LED bulbs can improve your rating. Low-energy LEDs tend to last longer and use up less energy than more conventional bulbs.
You can find LED bulbs that fit standard ceiling lights, lamps and more at most high street supermarkets and homeware stores. It’s an easy fix that can save money and energy over time.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Boiler service
You should be getting your boiler serviced regularly to improve the longevity and safety of your central heating system. Getting specific maintenance, safety and efficiency checks on your boiler can go a long way to enhancing your property’s EPC rating. Meanwhile, replacing an old, inefficient boiler can save you as much as £540 a year in energy bills.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Block out draughts
Closing up and blocking draughts, such as under doorways, may not have a direct impact on your EPC rating. However, shutting off areas where cold air can squeeze into your property can make your home warmer and more energy efficient. This will then lead to a reduction in your utility bills, improving your EPC rating.
Install a smart meter
Installing a smart meter may make you more aware of how much energy you’re using and encourage you to use less. With live updates on charges, it’s a good way to budget, both financially and in terms of energy use. As we know, lower bills can improve your energy rating.