EPC Rating: The What, Why, and How of Elevating EPC Scores

EPC rating, an essential factor in property valuation. It plays a pivotal role in the real estate landscape. Understanding and elevating EPC scores are critical steps for homeowners and property investors alike. 

The Energy Performance Certificate is a must for any UK resident who owns property. The utilisation of energy, its cost, and suggestions for improvement are all included in the text. 

From “A” for the most energy-efficient to “G” for the least energy-efficient, the rating is assigned. If you don’t know what an EPC rating is, how to raise one, and many other things. We will also go over some advantages of raising your EPC rating in case none of these catch your attention. Now let’s get started.

Understanding EPC Rating

At its core, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency. Ranging from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least. This rating significantly influences both property value and environmental impact.

An EPC rating, or energy performance certificate, what is it?

In the UK, an Energy Performance Certificate is a prerequisite for purchasing, leasing, and selling real estate. Everything from the property’s efficiency to the amount of energy used per square metre is included in the certificate. 

It also includes data on the annual amount of carbon monoxide released per tonne. The EPC certificate has a ten-year validity period. Before selling or renting out your home, you must obtain a new EPC whenever the current one expires. 

Homeowners can also reduce expenses, boost efficiency, and improve comfort in their homes with the help of an EPC certificate.

How Are EPC Certificates Obtained?

You must locate a reliable assessor if you want your home to receive an EPC certificate. After doing an inspection, they will provide you with a certificate. This certificate includes details about your property’s energy use, carbon emissions, and overall grade.

Why Does a High EPC Rating Matter?

Before selling a property, homeowners need get an EPC certificate, with a few exceptions. When buyers are presented with multiple residences to choose from, decision-making gets simpler. The quicker the house may be sold and the larger the offer, the better the EPC rating. 

A buyer would be less eager to purchase from you if your EPC rating is D or worse. Your property will be worth less than those with a high EPC rating as well. Don’t ignore the EPC rating if you don’t take it seriously. By implementing the suggestions listed on the certificate, you can raise your EPC rating.

When you’ve finished raising your EPC rating, it’s time to get your house inspected. Nowadays, most mortgage lenders provide their clients who purchase homes with higher EPC ratings with specific incentives.

What Are the Questions the Assessor Will Ask Me to Obtain an EPC Certificate?

You will have to respond to a few questions when you call someone to arrange for a home audit to assess heating performance and efficiency. The assessor may ask you the following questions; 

Which month and year did the property get built? 

Have you added to, converted, or altered the current property in any way?

When was the loft’s conversion, if any, into a room finished?

Is there any cavity wall insulation on your property?

Has someone ever inspected your property before?

Has your house been upgraded with any double-glazed windows or doors?

Is there any apparent underfloor insulation in your home, or do you have the work’s receipts?

Is there a single or double electricity metre in your home?

Do you have any heat recovery technology installed?

In the UK, how much does an EPC certificate cost?

In the UK, the cost of an Energy Performance Certificate typically falls between £60 and £120. However, it could differ based on a number of variables. The variables include the location, provider, and size of the land and residence. To find the finest estimate that fits your budget, it’s critical to compare the quotes provided by several assessors. 

Obtaining an EPC certificate may occasionally cost more. This is due to the fact that some homeowners would rather obtain it through a real estate broker. But you might be able to save some money by haggling.

When Is It Time to Update an EPC Certificate?

You can obtain an updated EPC certificate after making modifications to your house. Such as adding energy-saving equipment, replacing the boiler, and enhancing the insulation. It is possible to obtain a greater price by listing your home as soon as possible, particularly whether you are renting it out or selling it.

What is the EPC system of grading?

Your home’s efficiency is measured using the EPC grading system. The grades ranges from A to G. G is the lowest rating and A is the best. The qualified assessor assigns a rating after accounting for a number of variables. This includes double-glazed windows and doors, insulation type, and heat and energy loss. 

Following the inspection, the assessor will rank or score each element based on its efficiency. After that he/she will provide an average EPC rating. Each component will be rated by the assessor in accordance with the Standard Assessment Procedure. An overview of the EPC band grading scheme based on score is shown below.

• A: 92-100 SAP points
• B: 81-91 SAP points
• C: 69-80 SAP points
• D: 55-68 SAP points
• E: 39-54 SAP points
• F: 21-38 SAP points
• G: 1-20 SAP points

Why Should Your Home’s EPC Rating Be Raised?

Rethink your decision if you are still hesitant to raise your home’s EPC rating. It is inexpensive and lasts for a very long time. For example, having a high EPC rating will help you get a better price if you want to sell or rent out your house. It is prohibited to rent out a house with an EPC rating lower than an E. 

Obtaining a higher EPC rating gives you the opportunity to take action to increase efficiency. It might be anything from replacing double-glazed windows to upgrading the furnace or increasing the insulation in your house. 

As was already said, an EPC rating aids in selling your house for more money. Properties with a high EPC rating tend to attract potential purchaser. If you don’t make any improvements, you risk disappointing people and alienating potential clients. 

Finally, by learning how energy-efficient your home is and what steps may be made to lower carbon emissions, an EPC rating is a great method to lessen your carbon impact. 

You now know a great deal about the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and its significance. This is the right moment to provide some easy techniques to raise your EPC rating. Everything you require is provided here.

How Can My Home’s EPC Rating Be Raised?

You may already be aware of the significance of an Energy Performance Certificate for your home, how an EPC rating is calculated, and how much it costs. The following thing you ought to inquire about is how to raise my house’s EPC rating.

This section will provide you with an explanation on how to convert your energy-inefficient home into a super-efficient one that produces more heat, emits less carbon dioxide, and uses the least amount of energy. Now let’s get started.

Request a Home Audit

Hiring an expert is preferable to speculatively attempting to raise the EPC rating. There are several advantages to hiring an expert to inspect your home. In addition to having the opportunity to raise your EPC rating, you’ll also receive advice from a professional on how to stop heat loss and make investments that will likely pay off in the long run. 

Most house inspections are provided at no cost. Thus, be sure to maximise your return and make an investment in something that may benefit you in the future.

Modernise Your Boiler

The aged boiler is one of the factors contributing to the poor EPC rating. It requires more energy and produces less warmth the older it gets. This indicates that you are directly increasing your carbon emissions and increasing your financial load. 

Your EPC rating might increase by as much as 40% when you replace your old boiler. Though it costs thousands of pounds to replace an ageing boiler with a new one, it is a problem for many homeowners. In addition, there will be an installation fee and any additional costs that apply. 

However, by submitting an application for the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme, you can still raise your EPC rating.

Those who live in the UK as private tenants or owners are eligible for the new Boiler Grant UK programme. You can apply if your boiler is older than 15 years and you get government benefits like Housing Benefits, Child Benefits, Pension Credit, or Working Tax Credit. Be careful to input the postcode to verify your eligibility. 

After replacing your old boiler with a new one, you can raise your home’s EPC rating and its overall worth.

Upgrade Your Boiler Now & Book a Free Survey!

Put in Triple or Double Glazed Windows

Any home that loses heat could have a lower EPC rating. You may be able to save up to 40% of your energy costs by preventing heat loss from your building. Double or triple-glazed windows are among the best things you can do to raise your EPC rating. It could be an expensive investment, but it could be done in phases. 

Starting with a room that is frequently used for family gatherings is preferable. When your financial account is full, you can upgrade to triple-glazed windows in other rooms to increase EPC rating and heating efficiency.

Modernise Your Lighting Configuration

Modernising your lighting setup is one of the best strategies to raise your EPC score. LED lights are a great alternative to halogen and outdated bulbs. Although it won’t have a big impact on your rating, it will assist you in making up the difference to move up a level. 

If you’re a tech enthusiast, you could think about equipping your house with smart lighting. It contributes significantly to an environmentally friendly atmosphere, is remote controllable, and can be synchronised with other smart devices.

Insulate the Walls and Roof

Before winter arrives, giving your home a makeover can significantly alter the neighbourhood. Installing insulation on your roof and walls is something you might want to think about when remodelling your home. Insulation is one of the most efficient ways to increase efficiency because it is designed to stop heat loss. 

If you decide to install loft insulation, for example, a minimum thickness of 270mm can significantly reduce heat loss. 

In order to maximise efficiency, wall insulation is an additional method. To stop heat loss, you should think about properly insulating any holes and gaps in your walls. Wall insulation can range in price depending on the service provider. On the other hand, wall insulation typically costs between £300 and £500. 

Insulating your walls and roof will increase energy efficiency significantly. Additionally, it will stop heat loss, and raise your EPC rating. Applying for a free boiler grant could also provide you with the opportunity to upgrade insulation at no cost to you.

Set up Underfloor Heating

It is simple to increase energy efficiency and EPC rating through the installation of an underfloor heating system. An underfloor heating system has the benefit of being able to run at lower temperatures, which uses less energy and produces better heat. 

In order to increase energy efficiency and provide an affordable way to keep your house warm, underfloor heating systems can be utilised either in conjunction with central heating systems or as their only source of heat. One thing is certain, though: installing an underfloor heating system is too difficult. For a better understanding, make sure to browse through the comments and evaluations left by users who have already placed it in their houses.

Opt for Renewable Energy

Concerned about your energy costs? There’s an investment you can make that can pay off over time. It would be a wise investment to install renewable energy sources like air-source heat pumps and solar panels. 

It truly is among the best methods for reducing energy use and improving the energy efficiency of your house. The issue is its expense, which is nearly unaffordable. Make careful to spend gradually if you’re seeking for a sustainable energy source to power your house.

Gains from Raising the EPC Rating

What does obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate mean, and why should you raise your EPC score? Well, there are a few other factors in addition to raising your home’s efficiency. Let’s discuss some advantages of raising your home’s EPC rating.

Reduction in Energy Costs

Seeing a sharp increase in energy costs is a nightmare for UK citizens. Boilers and air source heat pumps, for example, are highly efficient heating systems that use less energy while producing more heat. Furthermore, upgrading to a modern boiler is a significant way to lower energy costs and improve your EPC rating. 

It’s time to act if you’re concerned about expensive energy bills and start raising your EPC rating. For many years to come, the one-time investment would enable you to save money. Thus, don’t wait and raise your home’s EPC rating right away.

Value Added to Your Home

As was previously mentioned, in order to sell or rent a home, a homeowner must have a current Energy Performance Certificate. More prospective purchasers and a higher home value are indicated by a higher EPC rating. 

If you want to sell your home soon, be sure to take the necessary steps to raise your EPC rating. A study indicates that homes with high EPC ratings should anticipate a rise of between £8000 and £10,000. In a similar vein, if you plan to rent out your property, work on raising your EPC rating since it will increase rental yield.

Property Life Expectancy Increases

A house that is leak-free and well-insulated can last longer. For example, mould and wet areas that could otherwise harm your home’s roof and walls are less likely to appear in a well-insulated home. Additionally, it can stop heat loss, which eventually results in lower heating costs. Finally, by adopting the necessary steps to raise EPC ratings, it would reduce the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Encouraging a Sustainable Environment

Higher petrol use and carbon emissions may result from heat loss and higher energy use. These dangerous emissions have the potential to kill life on Earth and cause global warming. Nonetheless, owning an energy-efficient house with a high EPC rating can lessen energy costs and enhance the planet’s overall environmental impact.

Tax Relief

Currently, homes with an excellent EPC rating are not eligible for tax relief. On the other hand, the government is thinking about providing future tax breaks to homeowners who take steps to lower their carbon footprint and upgrade their energy-efficient homes.

Reduced Tenant Vacancy

In addition to helping to raise the value of your property, a high EPC rating will draw in potential tenants. This implies that each month you will receive higher rent. Additionally, it will lower tenant turnover.

Conclusion

That covers everything you need to know about EPC ratings. Follow the guidelines mention in the above article.