A Guide to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that provides an energy efficiency rating for buildings, including homes. The rating is on a scale from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). The certificate also includes an estimate of the cost to heat and light the building, as well as its carbon emissions.

EPCs help potential buyers, renters, or property owners understand the energy performance of a building. They offer recommendations on how to improve energy efficiency, which can lead to reduced utility bills and a lower carbon footprint. EPCs are valid for 10 years.

Why Do You Need an EPC?

An EPC is a legal requirement when selling or renting out a property in the UK. Without a valid EPC, you could face fines. It is also useful for:

• Comparing properties: If you’re looking to buy or rent, EPCs provide a quick comparison of the energy efficiency between properties.
• Making improvements: EPCs suggest practical changes to boost your home’s efficiency, reducing both energy costs and carbon emissions.

What Information Does an EPC Contain?

Your EPC report will include:

1. Energy Efficiency Rating: This is the main rating, displayed on a coloured scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient.
2. Estimated Costs: An estimate of your annual energy costs for heating, lighting, and hot water.
3. Recommendations: A list of suggested improvements you can make to enhance the energy efficiency of your home, such as better insulation or upgrading your heating system.
4. Potential Rating: This shows what your rating could be if you implement the recommended upgrades.

The certificate also includes details about the building, like its floor area, how well insulated it is, and information about the windows and heating system.

When Do You Need an EPC?

An EPC is required in several scenarios:

• When selling a property.
• When renting out a property.
• When a property is constructed or modified in a way that affects its energy performance.

However, certain buildings, such as places of worship or temporary buildings, are exempt from requiring an EPC.

Factors That Affect Your EPC Rating

Several factors determine your home’s EPC rating, including:

1. Insulation: A well-insulated home retains heat, reducing energy consumption. Roof and wall insulation can significantly impact your EPC score.
2. Heating System: The type of heating system plays a crucial role. Modern, efficient boilers or heat pumps will score higher than older, inefficient systems. Government grants can help with replacing your old boiler.
3. Windows: Double- or triple-glazed windows are much better at retaining heat compared to single-glazed windows.
4. Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, improves your EPC score.
5. Renewable Energy: Homes with solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources typically receive higher ratings.
6. Hot Water System: The efficiency of your water heating system affects your rating. Insulated water tanks and modern heating units can improve efficiency.
7. Building Materials: The construction materials used for walls, floors, and roofs, as well as the level of draught-proofing, are considered in the rating.
8. Ventilation and Air Tightness: Proper ventilation systems that prevent energy loss can boost the EPC rating.

How Can I Improve My EPC?

Improving your EPC can enhance the energy efficiency of your home, lower utility bills, and make your property more attractive to buyers or tenants. Here are several key steps you can take:

1. Upgrade Your Insulation

One of the most cost-effective ways to improve your EPC is to enhance your home’s insulation:

• Loft Insulation: Insulating your loft or attic can reduce heat loss through the roof.
• Cavity Wall Insulation: If your home has cavity walls, filling these can reduce heat loss.
• Solid Wall Insulation: Older homes with solid walls can benefit from either external or internal insulation.

Improved insulation can reduce your heating demand, thus increasing your EPC rating.

2. Install Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Old, single-glazed windows let heat escape easily. Replacing them with modern double- or triple-glazed windows can significantly reduce heat loss, making your home more energy efficient. Ensuring doors are draught-proof and well-insulated also helps.

3. Upgrade Your Boiler or Heating System

Your heating system has a major impact on your EPC. Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a condensing boiler or heat pump can substantially improve your rating. Heat pumps, in particular, are highly efficient and can provide both heating and cooling. Read more on Octopus Energy’s heat pump installation service.

Additionally, consider adding:

• Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to control heat distribution.
• Smart thermostats to manage heating more efficiently. Read more on smart thermostats here.

4. Switch to Renewable Energy

Homes powered by solar panels, wind turbines, or other renewable energy sources score better on EPCs because they use sustainable energy instead of fossil fuels (read more on what renewable energies are here). Installing a solar PV system can help reduce your dependency on grid electricity and improve your rating. Read more on Octopus Energy’s 100% renewable electricity.

Octopus Energy can help with the installation of solar panels and battery packs.

5. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting

Switching to LED lighting throughout your home is an easy and affordable way to improve your EPC. LED bulbs use far less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and last much longer.

6. Improve Hot Water Efficiency

If your water heater is outdated, consider replacing it with a more efficient model. Insulating your hot water cylinder and installing a high-efficiency water heater can help reduce energy waste. A solar thermal system, which heats water using sunlight, is another great way to reduce energy consumption and boost your EPC.

7. Add Smart Controls and Heating Zones

Smart heating controls, such as zoned heating systems, allow you to control different areas of your home separately. This reduces energy consumption by ensuring that you’re only heating rooms when they are in use. Programmable thermostats and timers also allow you to set heating schedules, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.

8. Seal Gaps and Draught-Proofing

Preventing draughts around doors, windows, chimneys, and floorboards can make a big difference to your home’s energy efficiency. Draught-proofing is a simple and inexpensive way to stop warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

9. Install a Heat Recovery Ventilation System

A Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system helps retain heat that would otherwise be lost through ventilation. These systems extract warm air from areas like kitchens and bathrooms, filter it, and redistribute the heat to other parts of the house.

10. Install an EV Charging Point

Driving an EV obviously reduces your carbon footprint as you are no longer burning fossil fuels to get around, but did you know that installing a dedicated EV charging point in your home can help improve your EPC rating as well as increase the value of your home. Furthermore combining EV charging with smart tariffs can further reduce your bills by buying electricity when it’s cheapest (read more about off-peak electricity here).

The Benefits of a Higher EPC Rating

1. Lower Energy Bills: A more energy-efficient home uses less electricity, gas, or oil to heat and power, reducing your utility bills.
2. Increased Property Value: A higher EPC rating can increase the value of your property, as buyers and tenants are often willing to pay more for an energy-efficient home.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint: An energy-efficient home produces fewer carbon emissions, helping you contribute to the fight against climate change.
4. Legal Compliance: Landlords need to ensure that their properties have an EPC rating of E or above to comply with UK Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) [External Link].
5. Access to Incentives: Homes with higher EPC ratings may be eligible for certain government schemes and grants aimed at energy efficiency improvements.

By following the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can take steps to improve your EPC rating, making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly while saving on energy costs.

To read more on appliance energy efficiency ratings, click here.