Rental properties in the UK always require an energy performance certificate (EPC). This certificate standardises that the property is energy efficient. If you want to make your home energy efficient and improve it, then it’s a great place to have your energy performance certificate. With an EPC rating, you can tell how energy efficient the property is, and it is rated from very efficient to inefficient. This certificate helps to understand how to improve EPC ratings.
What is the EPC rating?
Rental properties in the UK always require an energy performance certificate, which is called an EPC. This certificate standardises that the property is energy efficient, but on different A to G standards. This certificate is a document that has detailed information on typical energy consumption and its causes for the property. Moreover, this can help to reduce energy consumption.
EPC ratings run from A, which is the most energy efficient, to G, which is the least efficient, while D and E represent average to below-average performance. An energy performance certificate is a legal document that has a separate worth to prove your home’s energy efficiency. The landlord can assess the rental property, and this certificate is worthwhile for tenants as well.
How to improve the EPC rating?
These things are required for EPC :
- Make your home heat protective
- Make the heating system efficient
- Try to consume less electricity at home
If you choose good actions to do, then things will be easier and come your way. However, actions always have a big impact on the end.
If you need more information about quick ratings for the Energy Performance Certificate or need an EPC, you can contact the S6Energy team.
Improve epc rating
Steps to improve Energy Performance Certificate Ratings
Switch home lighting to LED.
When you switch your home’s lighting to LED, it might not be that impactful for EPC, but it is a small and easy step to take with less cost. Halogen light bulbs consume more electricity in comparison to efficient LED bulbs. According to British policy, you should save £45 every year. And in Northern Ireland, it must be £55.
Insulate the hot water cylinder.
Hot water cylinders have less cost and are easy to install. You can install it according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. Moreover, if a cylinder is already fitted around the tank, then you have to check its thickness. 80mm of cylinder thickness is ideal. If the jacket is according to British standards, and it’s quietly possible for you to save £40 every year.
Install heating controls
By installing heating controllers, efficiency can increase, making it a good investment to save money in the long term. A thermostat installation is a good investment because it allows you to save £90, and in Northern Ireland, you can save £80.
If there is no heating control installation done, you have to install a complete set for significant results. Your heating control must have these qualities:
- A programmer
- Room thermostate
- Thermostat radiator valves
Complete installation can cost £550, which can be a good saving for a year in Britain or in Northern Ireland.
Replace the simple boiler with a condensing boiler
If your home is older and old installations are done, then you have to upgrade the system completely. The cause of all the operating systems can vary by different types and sizes of boilers, and also can vary by location.
The complete gas replacement can cost with heating controls around £3900. Upgrading from a gas boiler, which is rated with heating controls, can help you to save a significant amount of £420 every year, and can vary in Northern Ireland.
It’s a good investment for the homeowners because the lifespan of this boiler is around 10 to 20 years.
Convert a single-glazing window to a double-glazing window.
If you have Windows around your living room, then it’s most probably possible to lose heat through the windows. Single-glazed windows can help to lose heat, but with double glazing, it is a good option to stop heat from going out of the home, and because of the material and style, the cost can be different.
The second option is PVC Windows, which have less cost, but on the other hand, hardwood frames are expensive.
But by converting into a double-glazed window, you can save a good amount of £140 every year.
Update loft insulation
It is quite possible to lose home heat through the roof. So, it is good to install loft insulation in your home, and if it is already done, then you need to upgrade it because heat escapes from the roof is a common process. Healthy topping of insulation should be 122 to 270mm.
It is worthwhile and easy for the best condensation. It is also possiblefor homeowners to install a loft because these types are so easy if homeowners follow the instructions.
Insulate the floor
Floor insulation is also a healthy investment, which can help you to save £70 every year with semi-detached property standards, according to British rules. If there is any gap between the floor and skirtings, then you have to fill them and seal the gaps, which helps your home draught-proof. And it is possible for you to do it yourself.
Wall insulation
This is the most common suggestion for EPC. Heat can escape from walls. Wall installation is also a good investment and an expensive thing as well.
In the UK, there are cavity walls that are easy to fill with insulation. And these walls can help you save a good amount in a year on your energy bills. Insulation of solid walls is possible from inside and outside of your home, but the cost can vary.
Install solar panels
To improve the rating, and if you have a good budget to improve it, then it’s good to install a solar panel for your big home.
This energy source is renewable, and after installing solar panels, you can see a reduction in the energy cost of your home. The solar panel cost is a maximum of 6100£, including installation, but it will give you a good saving around a year. Also, this is good for carbon emissions.
What is the minimum Energy Performance Certificate rating?
For the time being, the Energy Performance Certificate rating for private rented properties is important. Moreover, the requirement to change the minimum energy efficiency was introduced on 1 April 2020, in line with the regulations and energy efficiency standards for all types of rented properties.
Due to the minimum energy efficiency measure, legally it’s not possible to continue to have a property without improving your home’s EPC with a valid exemption.
Most of the landlords who are not following the rules can face a penalty as a fine of up to £5,000, but the amount varies by location. And this fine is assessed and imposed for non-compliance.
Furthermore, if you do not compile your property legally, and the requirements are not according to the minimum rating of e. Then you have to improve the rental properties’ EPC rating.
As well as it is important to comply with the law for a better EPC because it can easily attract tenants to increase property value. Moreover, it’s a better option to prepare all these for government purposes and for minimum ratings.
Energy Performance Certificate rating
Why is it important to improve the EPC rating for a home?
If your home is more energy efficient, then the cost will be less for heat and light. Furthermore, this can cause a lower carbon footprint and is also good for your budget.
Recommendations for ratings improvement require investment for homeowners. This is also available for different circumstances. More energy-efficient light bulbs can make it better, and you can follow this even if you are renting.
How to find the EPC rating?
In England, Wales, and the North Island
- EPC ratings can check by different government websites.
- Check your property, whether it is domestic or non-domestic.
- A postcard is a must to check.
- And the address that led you to confirm the property’s specifications.
In Scotland
The thing you have to know:
- Postcode
- And a report reference number
- This is necessary to work on for improvement.
Conclusion: How to improve the EPC rating
For improvement of EPC ratings, the first app is to improve the energy efficiency for your home, because it also helps you to reduce energy bills. Therefore, energy performance certificate ratings are helpful for a healthy environment, for comfort, and for carbon emissions.
You can enhance your property values with low-cost measures.
According to British rules and regulations, LED lights and heat control have a good impact.
Furthermore, boiler upgrade and heat pumps or solar panels installation are simple and common actions to do for a higher impact. Loft insulation and boiler or floor insulation with upgraded windows is a good step for energy efficiency. Cost can be different according to the areas and States.
Read More: EPC Reform
FAQs: How to improve the EPC rating
What is the EPC rating?
The Energy Performance Certificate rating measures the energy efficiency of a home. And also assess carbon emissions and energy cost as well.
What is the EPC rating D?
EPC is a certificate that proves the energy efficiency in a home, but an EPC rating of D means the efficiency is average. But it always needs to be improved because carbon emissions are needed when efficiency does not meet standards.
Is the EPC rating D good?
Yes, but an idea EPC rating A is a good and ideal one. Because D is average, not ideal. An environmentally friendly energy source is always required with high energy performance.
How to improve the EPC rating from D to B?
There are some steps with which you can improve EPC D to B :
- Insulation improvement
- Improve and upgrade the heating system
- Install a solar panel
- Use double-glazing windows
- Switch to LED lights
Is the EPC rating E bad?
EPC E is not in line with standards and is the least efficient, which can lead to high energy bills. Its energy efficiency is also much lower, with an excessive level of carbon footprint.
For how long is an Energy Performance Certificate valid?
The validity of the EPC is 10 years. It’s a worthwhile certificate with good energy efficiency requirements and details.
