If you own a property that you are looking to sell or rent out, then you’re going to need an energy performance certificate (EPC). Initially introduced back in 2007, there have been updates made to these since, and some may be surprised at what is required going forward. However, when you consider the government’s ambitious carbon targets, the changes to EPC requirements makes sense.
So, just what is an EPC? What does one mean for your property? Will steps like installing an energy-efficient boiler help to boost how your property is graded or will it take more work? If you want to know the answer to these questions, then read on and let us help.
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What is an EPC?
Having been launched back in 2007, an EPC lets you know how energy efficient a property is. They are now a legal requirement for any property that is going to be sold, rented, or even constructed. Even, if you are not looking to sell, an EPC is still worth having, as we will see later.
An EPC will grade a property from A-G. If your property is classed as an ‘A’ then this means that it is extremely energy efficient. This means that it will have lower carbon dioxide emissions making it kinder to the environment. Wherever your property ends up on the EPC scale, you will find that your certificate provides advice as to where improvements can be made.
Here is an overview of the energy efficiency rating scheme:
| Efficiency Rating | Efficiency (%) |
| A | 90% and above |
| B | 86 – 90% |
| C | 82 – 86% |
| D | 78 – 82% |
| E | 74 – 78% |
| G | 70% and below |
How is an EPC calculated?
For an EPC to be carried out at your property, you will need to arrange for an assessor to visit. When they arrive, they will need access to all parts of your property so that they can carry out a proper assessment of your property’s energy efficiency. Some of the things that they will check when arriving at a grade include:
- The size of your property
- What insulation your property has and how much of it there is
- What the property is constructed of
- The type of lighting that you have
- Your heating system and how this is controlled
- The ventilation that your property has
These are all examined and go into forming a calculation of the carbon emissions that your property produces. This will make comparisons between your property and those that are built to a similar, specified, standard.
The impact of an EPC on your property
You may be wondering why an EPC matters. There are the environmental benefits of having a more energy-efficient property, but if this isn’t a motivation, perhaps the effects on your pocket will be the selling point? The reality is that the better your EPC grade, the cheaper your energy bills are going to be.
There are also minimum requirements that a property needs to reach if you want to sell or rent out. As it stands, a property must hit a grade ‘E’ as a bare minimum. This is set to change by 2025 where the minimum requirement before a property can be rented will be increased to a grade ‘C’. If your property fails to meet these requirements, then it is illegal to sell or rent out your property.
If you are looking to sell your property, a property that achieves a higher EPC grade can often sell for more. As people are keen to boost their green credentials and save on their bills (especially during these challenging times), they are willing to pay that bit more for a property.
How can you improve the EPC of your property?
If your property already has an EPC, you may be interested in knowing how you can improve this. Knowing that it impacts the value of your property, the amount that you’re paying for your bills, and the environment, achieving the best EPC possibly makes sense.
Here’s a look at some of the steps that you can take:
Windows
If you want to boost the energy efficiency of your property, windows are a great place to start. If you have single glazed windows, you should certainly be looking at upgrading to double. There is also the possibility of installing triple glazed windows which are even more energy efficient.
Upgrade your boiler
If you have an old boiler, there’s a good chance that it is not the most efficient. Newer boilers are built to new standards, and you can be sure that they are as energy efficient as possible. If a new boiler is out of the question, as a minimum you need to ensure that your current one is being serviced on a regular basis to keep it operating as safely, and efficiently, as possible.
If you are looking at making your property as energy efficient as possible, it is probably time to explore how a new boiler could help. Look around for some energy-efficient boiler models that are great for the environment as well as your bank balance!
Loft insulation
It is perhaps unsurprising that your property will lose heat via the roof. A simple, and cost-effective, solute here is to ensure that you have loft insulation. You can choose to pay a company to carry this work out for you or you can do it yourself. Loft insulation is readily available, and you can save money by laying it yourself.
Wall insulation
Whether you have solid walls or cavity walls, effective insulation will stop heat escaping and make your property more efficient.
Solar panels
One way of making your home greener, by producing less carbon, is to explore renewable energy. Solar panels can see your property producing its own electricity, saving you money on bills in the process.
Lighting
It is worth reviewing the types of lightbulbs that your property has. If you still have old-style bulbs, you will find that they are eating energy and are less than efficient. Making a switch to LED can save you money and help the environment.
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Millie is a perfectionist with a passion for property and writing articles. You’ll find her researching the latest housing trends and the newest up and coming areas worth investing in. Read more about Millie here.
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