What is EPC rating and how to improve it
25th March 2022
Find out all about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and how you can improve your home’s energy efficiency
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is valid for 10 years and shows you how energy efficient a home is. It’s key to buying, selling or renting a property as it gives you an idea of:
- Energy bills
- Carbon emissions
- What you can do to improve its energy efficiency
Even if you’re not moving, it’s worth having a look at your home’s EPC to find out what you can do to reduce your energy bills and carbon emissions. Once you’ve made improvements to your home, make sure to have a new EPC issued. You can access any home’s EPC through the government’s website
Your EPC will have two main charts with the rating bands. The bands go from A to G, with A being the best rating your home can have, and G being the worst. In the chart, you can see the current rating and potential rating, if you were to carry out the recommended home improvements.
The numbers in each rating reflect the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and go from 1 to 100 SAP points. These scores are divided into bands as follows:
How to improve your EPC rating
Improving your EPC means improving your home’s energy efficiency. It also means you could reduce your energy bills, make your home warmer and more comfortable and increase its value and reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some of the ways to improve your EPC:
- Double glazing. Upgrading your windows and doors won’t just improve your home’s energy performance, it can reduce noise too.
- Loft insulation. It’s easy to install, inexpensive and can make a huge difference to your bills. Install loft insulation that’s at least 270mm thick.
- Wall insulation. Whether your home has cavity or solid walls, insulating them can improve your EPC rating and you might qualify for help with the costs.
- Replace your boiler. You can cut your energy bills with a new, energy-efficient boiler.
- An efficient secondary heating source. Installing a wood-burning stove instead of an open fireplace can give you greater fuel efficiency and reduced costs in the long run.
- Solar panels. These produce cheaper, greener energy. See our advice on solar panels for more information.
As a double glazing installation company, queries about improving energy efficiency in homes is something that we are often asked about, especially in recent times where energy prices are inflating.
The Omega team are more than happy to provide quotations for various works to help the energy efficiency in your Kent home, from repairs to new installations, contact us today to see how we can help.
Call or email today 01843 299662 or sales@omegahome.co.uk