How to Improve Your EPC Rating
If you’re eager to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills (and who isn’t?), you’ve likely heard that improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is essential. But what does it actually mean?
EPC ratings show how effectively your home uses energy, which can also affect its value and appeal to future buyers.
In this article, we’ll break down EPC ratings in simple terms and share practical tips on how to get an EPC and how you can improve your EPC rating. With a better understanding, you can make smarter choices for your home that not only save you money, but also benefit the planet.
What are EPC Ratings?
EPC ratings are energy performance certificates that tell you how energy-efficient your home is. Properties are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), based on things like how well your home is insulated, the efficiency of your heating systems, and how much energy you use.
EPC ratings provide an opportunity for homeowners to evaluate their energy efficiency and make strategic improvements to boost the comfort of their homes along with their EPC rating.
The rating also plays a crucial role in boosting the value and appeal of your property, allowing future buyers to make informed decisions.
How to check your EPC rating
Checking your EPC rating is easy and can be done online in a few steps.
Simply visit the official government website for household energy, with the following information at hand:
- Whether or not your property is domestic
- Your postcode
- Your address
You should quickly see your EPC rating along with a digital copy of the certificate.
Why is it important to improve your home’s EPC rating?
Enhancing your home’s EPC rating is not just a good idea – it’s a savvy investment that comes with an array of benefits.
A higher EPC rating reflects better energy efficiency. This means you can improve your EPC *and* significantly reduce your energy bills through sustainable home improvements, such as upgrading insulation or installing solar panels.
Not forgetting, properties with higher EPC ratings tend to attract more interest from potential buyers and renters, as they promise reduced running costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
Tips on improving your EPC rating
Improving your EPC rating can be achieved through a number of strategic home upgrades:
Install Solar PV panels
Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels harness sunlight and convert it into electricity to power your home. Not only do they provide clean, renewable energy, but they also improve your home’s thermal efficiency and help to raise your EPC rating. Plus, installing solar panels means you rely less on the grid, cut down on your energy bills, and shrink your carbon footprint. A win-win all round!
Insulate your walls
Effective insulation is a key player in preventing heat loss and boosting your EPC rating.
There are several ways you can achieve this by insulating your walls.
Cavity Wall Insulation involves filling the gap between your outer and inner walls with high-performance insulating material, reducing energy consumption and creating a snug living space.
External wall insulation is a layer of insulating material that’s applied to your home’s exterior and finished with weather-resistant render or cladding. It’s a great energy-efficient solution for solid wall homes that may not be suitable for cavity wall insulation.
Internal Insulation is another option if you don’t have cavity walls. It involves adding insulating materials to solid walls inside your property to boost your warmth, lower your environmental impact, and save money on your energy bills.
Insulate your loft
Since 25% of your home’s heat escapes through the roof, adding loft insulation is a smart home upgrade that will boost your comfort levels and your EPC rating.
Loft insulation is a layer of material that’s installed in the space between your top floor ceiling and roof to insulate your loft or attic. At Bundle, we use premium Knauf Insulation or Isover Spacesaver materials to insulate your loft and maximise your energy efficiency and savings.
Other Tips to Improve EPC Rating
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient models can help you dramatically cut down on energy consumption and see a boost in your EPC rating.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switching to LED light bulbs consumes less energy and is a simple home upgrade that not only brightens your space, but lowers your energy costs and improves your EPC rating.
Conclusion
Boosting your EPC rating is the pathway to greater energy efficiency and a more comfortable, cost-effective home.
At Bundle, we’re here to guide you through every step of enhancing your home’s energy performance. Our team are experts in sustainable home improvements and our personalised home energy plans help you identify the most impactful upgrades to transform your home’s efficiency.
Plus, our own skilled installers are on hand to fit your energy upgrades – from solar PV arrays to insulation that will not only improve your EPC rating, but boost your property value, raise your comfort levels and save money on your bills.
Together, we can create a cosy, energy-efficient home that you can enjoy for years to come.
Get a free quote for energy-saving measures and let us help you to increase your EPC rating.