Today we’re looking at 5 ways you can effectively improve your home’s EPC rating, through energy saving and efficient upgrades. The bottom line is this, keep your heat in your house and lower your energy bills.
1. Insulate your water tank:
Wrapping your water tank with an insulation jacket of about 60mm to 80mm thickness could help reduce your electricity bill by roughly £50 annually and improve your home’s EPC score by a few notches. If possible, it’s better to do away with the cylinder since it loses heat and requires frequent reheating.
Some homes still need these cylinders, especially ones using solar heating or those with high hot water usage. For these, enhance the cylinder’s heat retention with the thickest insulation available. Alternatively, consider investing in a new cylinder designed with excellent built-in insulation.
2. Upgrade to energy-efficient bulbs:
Swapping out old incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescents (CFLs) or LEDs isn’t just cost-effective, since they last significantly longer, but it can also inch up your EPC score. Since traditional incandescents and spotlights hog energy when used extensively, replacing them with CFLs or LEDs is a quick and affordable improvement for both your wallet and your EPC rating.
3. Install cavity wall insulation:
Most UK homes built with a wall gap are prime candidates for this common and cost-effective insulation option. Although it may cost between £370–£500, it’s not suitable for every property, specifically older homes with narrow wall cavities. An EPC can confirm if this upgrade is right for you. Done correctly, your home’s energy efficiency will see significant gains.
However, be cautious and consult with experts, as improper installation can prompt issues like condensation and mold. Cavity insulation isn’t recommended for homes in windy areas, with damaged walls, or those with narrow early cavities.
4. Update your boiler:
Heating systems are crucial for your EPC score, and a new boiler can potentially add up to 40 points to it. Since the EPC’s minimum score is 39, a new boiler alone could meet basic standards. You might consider a heat pump, which is a renewable and efficient alternative to boilers, despite the higher upfront costs of £7,000 to £30,000. Financial aid through initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme could ease this investment.
While replacing an outdated boiler is a significant step towards increasing EPC ratings and saving money, it’s still wise to seek professional advice and explore available grants to help cover the expenses.
5. Check/Improve your loft insulation:
Heat rises, and once you’ve got the rest of your house working more efficiently and leaking less heat, don’t forget to make sure your loft insulation is up to scratch. The amount and thickness of your insulation varies depending on what type of insulation you are using. For standard mineral wool or glass wool insulation, building regulations state 270mm thickness.
If you have a loft space that you want to convert to flooring, then alternative products which don’t require such depth are better to use, for example, rolls of loft insulation foil or even foam insulation board, which insulate to a similar or higher level, with much less thickness. Just be sure to still allow plenty of ventilation in the loft space itself, to avoid condensation issues.
Beyond these methods, you can execute other quick fixes to lower your heating expenses, although they may not always affect your EPC rating. These include draught-proofing your home for better energy conservation and sealing off any old, unused chimneys.
