If you’re planning on selling or renting your home in the UK, it’s essential that you obtain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This certificate evaluates your home’s energy efficiency, providing you with a rating that ranges from A (extremely efficient) to G (very inefficient). It also outlines ways in which you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
The EPC not only highlights your home’s current energy efficiency but also details the potential energy efficiency rating if you were to implement the suggested improvements. The EPC report also offers cost-effective recommendations to improve your home’s energy efficiency, making it a useful tool for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.
In addition to helping homeowners save on their energy bills, properties with higher EPC ratings are typically more appealing to potential buyers or renters. This is because energy-efficient homes are generally cheaper to heat and light, making them more cost-effective in the long run. Therefore, obtaining an EPC is not only a legal requirement but also a valuable tool for homeowners looking to sell or rent their property.
An EPC provides valuable information on how to improve the energy efficiency of your home, and one of the most common recommendations is to install wall insulation. In fact, around one-third of the heat lost in an uninsulated home escape through the walls, making it a great place to start.
The good news is that most homes in the UK have cavity walls, which can be easily insulated. By filling this gap with insulation, you could save an estimated £395 a year on your energy bills. But if you have solid walls, don’t worry – they can also be insulated from either the inside or outside of your home. While the costs and savings vary, installing solid wall insulation in a semi-detached house could save you around £540 a year.
Another great way to save money on your heating bills and improve your EPC rating is by insulating your ground floor if you live in a house, bungalow, or ground floor flat. Insulating under the floorboards could save you around £110 a year in an average property, or up to £180 if you live in a detached house. And if you’re looking for a quick fix, sealing the gaps between floors and skirting boards with a tube of sealant bought from any DIY store can also help to reduce draughts.
Did you know that unless you live in a mid-floor flat, heat will escape from your home through the roof? That’s why loft insulation is another key recommendation on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
While most homes already have some level of loft insulation, it’s often not enough to make a significant difference in energy efficiency. By topping up your loft insulation from 120mm to at least 270mm, you could save around £55 each year on your energy bills.
The best part is that if your loft is easy to access and doesn’t have any dampness or condensation issues, you can often do the insulation yourself. This means you can save money on installation costs and make a positive impact on your home’s energy efficiency without hiring a professional.
Overall, loft insulation is a simple and effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. By taking action on the recommendations provided in your EPC report, you can increase the value and comfort of your home while reducing your carbon footprint.
