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How to improve your home’s EPC rating

A property’s energy performance is a significant consideration for both homeowners and tenants.

Recent research by The Eco Experts has found a surge in people searching for “how to increase EPC rating”, as more and more of us are looking to improve the energy efficiency of our homes.

So what is an EPC rating, why does it matter, and how can you improve it?

What is an EPC rating and why does it matter?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a legal requirement when selling or renting a property in the UK. The certificate rates the energy efficiency of a home, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and helping homeowners and tenants save on energy bills. The certificate provides an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), similar to the energy labels found on domestic appliances. The EPC also includes recommendations for improving the energy efficiency of the property.

An EPC is valid for ten years and is produced by an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) or a qualified Energy Assessor. The assessment considers various factors, such as the age and construction of the property, its insulation, heating systems, lighting, and more. The purpose of the EPC is to provide potential buyers or tenants with information about the property's energy efficiency and the associated costs, allowing you to make more informed decisions about increasing the efficiency of your property.

You can look up the latest energy certificate for any UK property here.

If you’re looking to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and its EPC rating, here are some effective ways to do so…

Insulation

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and therefore its EPC rating. Without adequate insulation, a significant amount of heat can be lost through your walls, floors and roof.

Here are some key areas to focus on:

Loft Insulation: Since hot air rises, insulating your loft can significantly reduce heat loss. Consider installing at least 270mm of insulation material - this can make a big difference to your heating bill, too!
Cavity Wall Insulation: If your home was built after the 1920s, it is likely to have cavity walls. Filling these cavities with insulation can greatly improve energy efficiency. It’s also relatively cheap, averaging around £370 - £500 for a typical UK home. However, this is not always appropriate for your home, especially if it has a narrow cavity like most 1930-1950s properties. If you have an EPC, it should tell you if this is the case - installing caivty wall insulation in homes that are not appropriate can cause condensation and mould. Homes in high wind-driven areas or with damaged walls are not advised to get cavity wall insulation.
Solid Wall Insulation: For homes with solid walls, insulation can be added internally or externally to prevent heat loss.
Floor Insulation: Insulating floors can also make a big difference, particularly in homes with suspended floors.

It is a shame to waste energy heating air in your home only to have it leak outside, so make your home as airtight as possible to get the most of our your home heating!

Reduce heat loss by sealing up draughts around doors, windows and floors, and upgrading to double or even triple glazed windows - look for windows with a low U-value, as this indicates better insulation. You could also look at blocking off old unused fireplaces to eliminate drafts.

Heating

In most homes, heating accounts for a large portion of energy use and therefore its EPC rating. Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating system can not only improve your EPC rating, but also reduce your energy bills.

Here are a few options:

Condensing Boilers: These are highly efficient and can significantly reduce your energy consumption.
Heat Pumps: Air source or ground source heat pumps are a sustainable alternative to traditional gas or electric heating systems, and are three times more efficient than boilers. Heat pumps cost anywhere from £7,000 to over £30,000 to buy and install, depending on the size of your home and type of heat pump, but with the Government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme you could get £7500 towards the cost.
Underfloor Heating: This can be more efficient than traditional radiators, particularly when used with renewable energy sources.
Smart Thermostats: Investing in a smart thermostat allows you to control your heating more effectively, ensuring you only use energy when you need it.

When you install a new boiler, your EPC rating could rise by as much as 40 points. The minimum EPC rating is 39, so getting a new boiler could help you reach the required standard, even if you don't do anything else.

If you get your hot water from a tank, you might want to consider improving its insulating jacket. For best results, aim for around 60mm to 80mm thick. Depending on how much you add, you could see savings of around £50 per year in electricity bills, and a few points toward your property’s EPC rating.

Electricity

Generating your own renewable energy can greatly improve your home’s EPC rating and reduce your carbon footprint (and your electricity bill!).

Here are a few options:

Solar Panels: Installing solar panels on your roof can generate electricity to power your home and even earn you money through the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme.
Wind Turbines: If you live in an area with sufficient wind, a small wind turbine could be a viable option.
Biomass Boilers: These burn organic materials like wood pellets to provide heating and hot water.

Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and score a few points on your EPC rating.

You could also save money in the long run - for a typical 60-watt incandescent bulb; you’ll average around 1,200 hours of lighting before it needs to be replaced. A 6-watt LED bulb, on the other hand, will last upwards of 60,000 hours!

Improving your property's EPC rating not only benefits the environment but also enhances the value and appeal of your home. By using the advice above, you could make significant strides in boosting your property's energy efficiency.

From simple, low-cost adjustments to larger investments, there are options for every budget. Remember, a higher EPC rating not only saves you money on energy bills but also reduces your carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. By taking action today, you can make a positive impact on both your home and the planet for years to come.

You can see the costs and total value of some of the most popular green home upgrades with GreenVal - a unique one-stop-shop solution designed to provide comprehensive support for homeowners looking to make their property more energy-efficient.