How to improve your EPC rating
We can all do our part to help the environment and the best place to start is in your own home. Whether you are looking to sell your home or not, increasing your homes energy rating is becoming a priority for many. The higher your EPC rating, the more attractive you home will be.
If you have a lot of money, or little money, to invest in your homes energy efficiency then there is always improvements to make. If you are wandering how to improve your EPC rating, let me outline some achievable options.
Here are our top 7 changes to make to your home to improve your EPC rating.
- Install new double glazed or triple glazed windows
- Insulation. Insulation and more Insulation
- Replace your light bulbs with LED options
- Upgrade your central heating boiler
- Renewable energy options
- Install a smart meter
- Use clever heating controls
1. Install new double glazing or triple glazed windows
You could make some great improvements to your home to improve your EPC rating but if you don’t upgrade your windows it could undo a lot of your good work. If your windows are single glazed or old in style, you could be losing a lot of heat.
Consider upgrading your windows and external doors to modern double glazed units which will improve your rating and retain more heat. Triple glazing is also an option but it will cost you more.
2. Insulation. Insulation and more Insulation
Loft insulation is undoubtedly one of the most effective way of insulating your home. Most of us have fairly easy access to our loft space meaning this is a job that you could do yourself. If you simply add the recommended insulation in the correct area, normally between the rafters, it creates a barrier and immediately reduces heat loss.
Wall insulation is an equally effective way of reducing your energy costs. Most walls will have space to accomodate insulation, but we always recommend you seek advice from the professionals. Inserting the wrong insulation into the wrong place could be damaging to your home.
3. Replace your light bulbs with LED options
No matter what budget you have this is a great place to start. Replacing all the traditional halogen lightbulbs throughout your home with energy efficient LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs will cost you a little more, but they last a lot longer and will save you money every year on your energy use.
4. Upgrade your central heating boiler
Heating systems are super important and contribute greatly to a properties energy rating. If your boiler is older I would highly recommend upgrading your boiler to an energy efficient condensing boiler. If you combine this with the smart central heating controls then you will notice a wonderful improvement in both your energy rating and your energy bills!
5. Renewable energy options
A great way to make your home more sustainable and to reduce your energy bills is to consider renewable energy. It costs more but is a longer term commitment and you will see significant improvements.
Heat pumps, solar panels & domestic wind turbines are all options to consider. Keep an eye out for government grants, interest free loans and incentives to assist with renewable energy. A great place to start if you are in Scotland is on the Home Energy Scotland page and across England you can find sources here
6. Install a smart meter
A smart meter can help you save money by encouraging you to understand, monitor and take control of your energy usage, and therefore your spending.
Seeing your energy usage in real-time can be very interesting and surprising! Seeing the cost going up infront of your eyes means you are more inclined to try and keep it down. People find themselves switching lights off, using their washing machine less and not filling the kettle full every time to sl This makes you energy-conscious and helps you to change your behaviour.
Best of all, with the function to preset and target budgets, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, you can create your own energy goals, while encouraging all household members to work towards them.
7. Use clever heating controls
Installing smart & intelligent heating controls is a really great idea. If you do not already, we would highly recommend upgrading your controls to include the option of programming, thermostat(s) and individual radiator thermostats too. This gives you total control to ensure you are controling your heating system carefully, removing excess usage and saving you money.
You can also go one step further and install some clever & smart home systems that can be controlled through your mobile phone. For example Smart Heating Products from Hive Home
Trying to think how to improve your EPC rating can be a real challange and very overwhelming. So hopefully this gives you straight forward and achievable options.
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