How To Improve Energy Performance Certificate

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is like a report card for a building. It tells you how energy efficient your home or building is and gives it a grade, like an A, B, C, and so on. The better the grade, the more energy efficient your home is, which means it uses less energy and is cheaper to run. Improving your EPC can save you money, help the environment, and even make your property more valuable. This blog will guide you on how to improve your EPC step by step.

1. Understanding Your EPC Rating

Before you start making improvements, it’s important to understand what your current EPC rating is. This rating is given on a scale from A to G:

• A is the best rating, meaning your home is very energy efficient.

• G is the worst rating, meaning your home is not energy efficient at all.

An EPC also provides a list of recommendations to improve your rating. These recommendations are divided into low-cost improvements and more expensive measures.

2. Insulate Your Home

One of the biggest factors in your EPC rating is how well your home is insulated. Insulation helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by trapping heat inside or keeping it out. This means you’ll use less energy to heat or cool your home, which improves your EPC rating.

Types of Insulation:

• Loft Insulation: This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your EPC rating. Heat rises, so a lot of the warmth in your home can escape through the roof if it’s not properly insulated.

• Wall Insulation: If your walls are not insulated, you could be losing a lot of heat. There are different types of wall insulation, like cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation, depending on the type of walls you have.

• Floor Insulation: While not as important as wall and loft insulation, insulating your floors can also help improve your EPC rating.

3. Upgrade Your Heating System

Your heating system plays a big role in your EPC rating. If you have an old, inefficient boiler, it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. Modern boilers are much more efficient than older ones, which can significantly improve your EPC rating.

Considerations When Upgrading:

• Condensing Boilers: These are highly efficient and can recover more heat from the gases they produce.

• Heat Pumps: These are even more efficient than traditional boilers and can also cool your home in the summer.

• Smart Thermostats: Installing a smart thermostat can help you control your heating more efficiently, saving you energy and improving your EPC rating.

4. Install Double or Triple Glazing

Windows are another area where you can lose a lot of heat. Single-glazed windows are not very energy efficient, so upgrading to double or triple glazing can make a big difference. Double-glazed windows have two layers of glass with a gap in between that acts as an insulator. Triple-glazed windows have three layers of glass and are even more effective at keeping heat in.

5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting might not seem like a big deal, but switching to energy-efficient bulbs can improve your EPC rating. LED bulbs use much less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer. This is a simple and cost-effective way to make your home more energy-efficient.

6. Use Renewable Energy Sources

Using renewable energy sources can significantly improve your EPC rating. Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems can provide clean energy for your home. While the initial cost can be high, the long-term savings on energy bills and the improvement to your EPC rating can make it worth it.

Types of Renewable Energy:

• Solar Panels: These can be installed on your roof to generate electricity or heat water.

• Wind Turbines: If you have enough space and the right conditions, a small wind turbine can generate electricity for your home.

• Biomass Boilers: These use organic materials like wood pellets to produce heat and are considered a renewable energy source.

7. Install a Smart Meter

A smart meter can help you monitor your energy usage more closely. By seeing how much energy you’re using in real time, you can make changes to reduce your consumption. Lower energy use means a better EPC rating.

8. Seal Gaps and Draughts

Even small gaps around windows, doors, and other areas can let a lot of heat escape. Sealing these gaps with draught excluders, weatherstripping, or caulking can make your home more airtight, reducing energy loss and improving your EPC rating.

9. Upgrade Appliances

Old appliances can be very energy inefficient. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient appliances can reduce your energy consumption and improve your EPC rating. Look for appliances with a high energy efficiency rating (A++ or A+++).

10. Install a Water-Saving Showerhead

Water heating accounts for a significant portion of your energy bills. By installing a water-saving showerhead, you can reduce the amount of hot water you use, which saves energy and improves your EPC rating.

11. Consider Underfloor Heating

Underfloor heating can be more efficient than traditional radiators because it distributes heat more evenly throughout the room. While it can be expensive to install, it can improve your EPC rating and make your home more comfortable.

12. Get an Energy Audit

If you’re not sure where to start, getting an energy audit can help. An energy auditor will assess your home and identify areas where you can make improvements. This can give you a clear plan for improving your EPC rating.

13. Improve Your Home’s Ventilation

Good ventilation is important for both comfort and energy efficiency. Proper ventilation can help reduce moisture and condensation, which can lead to mold and dampness. This, in turn, can improve your EPC rating.

Ventilation Tips:

• Extractor Fans: Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture.

• Trickle Vents: These can be installed on windows to allow for continuous ventilation without causing draughts.

• Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): This system extracts warm air from your home and uses it to heat fresh air coming in, which improves energy efficiency.

14. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set your heating to come on and off at certain times. This means you’re only using energy when you need it, which can reduce your energy consumption and improve your EPC rating.

15. Consider External Wall Insulation

If your home has solid walls, external wall insulation can make a big difference in your EPC rating. This involves adding insulation to the outside of your home, which reduces heat loss and makes your home more energy-efficient.

16. Insulate Your Hot Water Cylinder

If you have a hot water cylinder, insulating it can reduce heat loss and improve your EPC rating. You can buy a cylinder jacket to insulate it, which is a low-cost and effective way to save energy.

17. Install Low-Energy Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems can use a lot of energy, but there are low-energy options available that can help improve your EPC rating. Look for systems with a high energy efficiency rating.

18. Upgrade to an Efficient Water Heater

Water heaters can use a lot of energy, especially if they’re old and inefficient. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient water heater can reduce your energy consumption and improve your EPC rating.

19. Install a Heat Recovery System

A heat recovery system can capture heat that would otherwise be lost and use it to heat your home. This can significantly improve your EPC rating by reducing the amount of energy you need to use.

20. Improve Your Roof Insulation

If your roof is not properly insulated, a lot of heat can escape. Improving your roof insulation can make your home more energy-efficient and improve your EPC rating.

21. Upgrade to a More Efficient Cooker

Cookers can use a lot of energy, especially if they’re old and inefficient. Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient cooker can reduce your energy consumption and improve your EPC rating.

22. Consider a Green Roof

A green roof is covered with plants, which can provide insulation and reduce heat loss. While it can be expensive to install, it can improve your EPC rating and make your home more environmentally friendly.

23. Use Energy-Efficient Building Materials

If you’re planning any renovations or building work, consider using energy-efficient building materials. These can help improve your EPC rating by reducing heat loss and making your home more energy-efficient.

24. Install Solar Water Heating

Solar water heating systems use the sun’s energy to heat water for your home. This can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and improve your EPC rating.

25. Upgrade Your Fireplace

If you have an open fireplace, consider upgrading to a more efficient wood-burning stove. Open fireplaces can be very inefficient, losing a lot of heat up the chimney. A wood-burning stove is much more efficient and can improve your EPC rating.

26. Install a Ground Source Heat Pump

A ground source heat pump uses the natural warmth from the ground to heat your home. This is a very energy-efficient system that can significantly improve your EPC rating.

27. Consider an Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump works like a refrigerator in reverse, extracting heat from the air to warm your home. This is another very energy-efficient option that can improve your EPC rating.

28. Install a Wind Catcher

A wind catcher is a traditional architectural feature that uses wind to cool your home naturally. While it’s not common in all areas, it can improve your EPC rating by reducing the need for air conditioning.

29. Use Reflective Paint

Reflective paint can be used on your roof or walls to reflect heat away from your home. This can keep your home cooler in the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning, improving your EPC rating.

30. Monitor Your Energy Usage

Finally, one of the best ways to improve your EPC rating is to monitor your energy usage regularly. By keeping an eye on how much energy you’re using, you can make changes to reduce your consumption and improve your EPC rating.

Conclusion

Improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can seem like a big task, but it’s worth it in the long run. By making your home more energy-efficient, you can save money on energy bills, help the environment, and increase the value of your property. Whether you start with small changes like switching to energy-efficient light bulbs or go for bigger projects like installing solar panels, every improvement will help boost your EPC rating. Remember to take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a more energy-efficient home with a better EPC rating.