Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings show how energy-efficient a home is. A better rating means lower energy bills. Landlords and homeowners in England and Wales must improve EPC ratings before 2025.
Many rental properties need upgrades to meet new EPC requirements. Here are 12 simple steps to improve your EPC rating in 2025.
What Makes Your Home EPC Low?
A low EPC rating means a home is not energy-efficient. Poor insulation lets heat escape. Old boilers waste energy.
Single-glazed windows lose heat quickly. Outdated lighting and appliances increase electricity usage. Gaps around doors and windows let in cold air.
A property’s energy efficiency drops when heating and electricity systems are outdated. Homes without renewable energy sources often have lower EPC scores. Regular energy performance assessments help identify weak areas in a home’s EPC rating.
Why Is Improving Home EPC Important?
Improving your EPC rating lowers energy costs. Energy-efficient homes use less electricity and gas. A higher EPC score increases a home’s value. Rental properties in England and Wales must meet minimum energy efficiency standards.
Landlords must upgrade homes to at least an EPC grade C by 2025. A better EPC rating makes homes comfortable in all seasons.
It also reduces carbon footprints. Tenants prefer properties with lower energy bills. Making energy efficiency improvements benefits both homeowners and renters.
12 Ways to Improve EPC Rating of Your Property
Step 1. Upgrade Loft Insulation
Loft insulation stops heat from escaping through the roof. A well-insulated loft keeps homes warm in winter.
This reduces energy consumption and improves EPC scores. Insulation should be at least 270mm thick for good results.
Adding insulation is a way to improve your EPC rating cost-effectively. It helps lower your energy bills every year.
Homeowners and tenants may be able to fit loft insulation themselves or employ specialists. Government grants can cover the expense.
Step 2. Install Cavity Wall Insulation
Cavity wall insulation stops heat from escaping into the house. Most English and Welsh houses built since 1920 have cavity walls. There are gaps in these walls where heat can escape. Insulating them improves the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating.
Professional energy assessors inject insulation into the gaps. This process is quick and doesn’t get in the way of much. Homeowners can find out if they can get funding to lower their costs and raise their EPC grade.
Step 3. Seal Windows and Doors
Holes around doors and windows let warm air leave. Through these holes, cold air can also get in. This means that heating units have to work harder, which is more energy expensive. Putting draught excluders into openings in the walls of your house can be used to improve its EPC rating.
It doesn’t pay much and can increase your EPC grade to C from E. Weatherstrips and door seals are not difficult to install. Curtains and blinds may assist homeowners and tenants in trapping heat.
Step 4. Install Double or Triple Glazing
Single-pane windows lose a lot of heat. Double glazing adds an extra layer of protection. Triple glazing is even better for energy savings. These windows trap heat inside and block cold air. They also reduce noise from outside.
Getting new windows can help your EPC rating and make your home more energy efficient. Even though it’s expensive, you might be able to get grants and savings. The worth of a home goes up and heating bills go down over time because of these windows.
Step 5. Upgrade an Old Boiler
Old boilers waste energy and increase heating costs. A modern condensing boiler is much more efficient. It uses less energy and helps improve EPC ratings from D to B. Many homes still have outdated boilers that fail to meet minimum EPC rating standards.
Replacing them saves money and helps the environment. Government schemes may help with boiler upgrades. A-rated boilers are the best for energy savings. Regular servicing also improves boiler efficiency.
Step 6. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat makes it easier to control how much heat you use. It learns your daily habits and changes the temperature on its own.
This saves money and keeps energy from going to waste. People can plan when their heaters will turn on and off. Some smart heaters can be handled by apps on your phone.
This allows users to adjust heating from anywhere. Installing one can increase an EPC score and improve the property’s energy performance. A smart meter does not directly improve an EPC rating but helps monitor energy use.
Step 7. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels generate free electricity from sunlight. You don’t need as much grid energy. This makes EPC scores better and cuts energy bills. PV screens can still work when it’s dark outside. They store extra energy for later use.
Although they require upfront costs, they save money over time. Government grants or incentives may be available. Installing solar panels makes homes more energy-efficient and boosts EPC ratings.
Step 8. Switch to LED Bulbs
Old light bulbs use too much electricity. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer. They are also brighter and produce less heat. Replacing old bulbs is an easy way to improve EPC ratings and energy savings.
LED bulbs improve an EPC rating without big costs. They are available in different colors and styles. Every room in the house should use LED lights. Small changes make a big difference in energy savings.
Step 9. Insulate the Floor
Cold floors make homes lose heat quickly. Insulating floors helps keep rooms warm. Wooden and concrete floors need different types of insulation. Thick carpets and rugs also help reduce heat loss.
Underfloor insulation improves comfort and EPC scores. Professional installers can do this job properly. Some homeowners may qualify for insulation grants. A warmer home means lower heating bills and a better EPC rating.
Step 10. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Old appliances use more power. New tools that use less energy save power and lower your bills. When you buy new appliances, choose ones that receive an A rating. Those kinds of appliances such as washers, fridges, and ovens should consume less power.
More intelligent appliances consume less power and enhance EPC ratings. Most newer devices also come with an eco mode. Using the right appliances makes a house more energy-efficient on a daily basis.
Step 11. Reduce Water Heating Costs
Heating water uses a lot of energy. A modern water heater is more efficient. Insulating hot water tanks keeps water warm for longer.
This reduces the need for constant heating. Using low-flow showerheads saves hot water. Fixing leaks also prevents water waste. These easy steps can help a home get a better EPC grade. Energy prices can go down or up by making small changes.
Step 12. Install Renewable Heating Systems
Put in renewable heating systems. Using renewable heating cuts down on your need for gas and power. You can choose heat pumps or biofuel heaters.
Heat pumps that get their heat from the air outside do just that. Ground source heat pumps get their heat from the ground.
These systems work well in all weather conditions. They lower heating bills and improve EPC scores. Government grants may help with installation costs. Switching to renewable heating improves the energy performance of homes.
Conclusion
Improving an EPC rating helps save money and energy. Simple changes can boost EPC ratings and lower energy bills. Better insulation, efficient heating, and smart technology all help. Homeowners and landlords should act before 2025.
Government grants can reduce upgrade costs. A better EPC rating increases property value. It also makes homes more comfortable and eco-friendly. Start improving your EPC rating today and enjoy long-term energy efficiency improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
A smart meter helps track energy use but does not directly improve an EPC rating. Basically, it’s not included in the calculations but can impact your EPC a bit if used wisely.
An EPC is valid for 10 years. You need a new EPC for major property changes after the expiry.
Tenants can take small steps like using LED bulbs and sealing gaps to improve EPC scores. More so, they can upgrade their heating system if they use a traditional system.
Rental properties in Scotland, England and Wales must have at least an EPC grade C by 2025.