Today, in the UK, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings on homes are becoming more and more important, especially as we move further into what’s being branded as a ‘climate emergency.’ In fact, did you know that two-thirds of extreme weather events in the last 20 years were influenced by humans?
People are finally beginning to wake up and understand that climate change isn’t a joke and should be taken seriously. That’s where EPC ratings come in.
What is an EPC rating?
Energy Performance Certificates are now an essential part of the housing market in the UK, meaning the energy efficiency of your home is being scrutinised – even if you’re not currently buying or selling a property.
The grades range from A (the best) to G (the worse) and will depend on two factors: how much energy you use per metre squared, and how many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions your property produces per year. Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, there are things you could and should be doing to get yours to the best possible level, and we’ve got the answers below.
Upgrade your boiler
Be honest… when was that last time you had your boiler upgraded or even serviced by a professional? Naturally, older boilers, through both design and continuous use, are less efficient than newly installed ones. For example, if your current boiler is only 60% energy efficient, that means you’re wasting a whopping 40% of energy. By having a new boiler installed, you could very well improve the EPC rating of your home.
Have insulation measures installed
The main purpose of insulation, in this context, is to keep a building warmer in the winter by preventing excess heat from escaping. With proper insulation in place, your home will be more energy efficient and therefore receive a higher EPC rating. There are various forms of insulation you can opt for, too. If you’re thinking of having ‘EWI’ installed and wondering ‘where are the best external wall insulation installers near me’, you should find a company right for your requirements.
Take advantage of renewable energy
Renewable energy is all the rage in 2022, and it’s not hard to see why. This type of energy is collected from renewable sources that are naturally replenished and therefore dramatically reduce global carbon emissions. By taking advantage of such sources within your home – such as having solar panels or an air source heat pump installed – you can improve your EPC rating and help tackle climate change.
Upgrade from single glazed windows to double
A simple yet powerful way to better your EPC rating is to upgrade your windows to double glazed if they’re currently only single glazed. It’s worth noting that this upgrade doesn’t come cheap; double glazing costs can very between £150 to £600 per window, and this
suggestion won’t make as big of a difference as the likes of insulation and renewable energy sources. Still, it’s worth looking into if you’re serious about improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Leave a Reply