Creating a more energy-efficient home will make your home warmer, more comfortable and improve its overall value. In the UK, when a home is sold, rented, or even built, it now needs an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). An EPC is essentially a rating of how energy efficient your home is.
Here are 6 effective ways to improve your residence’s energy rating.
1. Use LED Lighting
One way to easily improve the energy rating in your home is to make the switch to LED light bulbs. These are far more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, which can make a big difference to your rating especially if you are on the edge of a margin. If you are looking for an easy and inexpensive way to improve your EPC certificate rating then this is the one for you. Ditch your classic halogen and incandescent light bulbs for LEDs and you will never look back. More and more people are using LEDs not only because of their eco-friendly nature but also because they help reduce your energy bills.
2. Install Double Glazed Windows
You might have one of the most sophisticated heating systems going, but if the windows are single glazed or not installed properly then all of the heat will just escape through the cracks. It is worth noting that double glazing is not as impactful on your energy rating as loft and wall insulation but it is still worth doing as you will retain more heat and it will create a more comfortable living environment. Most homes these days will have double glazing, but there are still older properties without it. So if your home does not have double glazing then changing this could increase your property’s EPC score by 5 to 10 points.
If you are thinking about triple glazed windows, as you can imagine this will cost more than double glazing. It will have very similar benefits, such as noise reduction, reduction of energy bills, and a more comfortable home.
Whether or not triple glazed is the right option for you will depend on your priorities. You can find out more on the topic of double glazing vs triple glazing here.
3. Insulate Your Loft And Walls
Insulating your loft and walls is one of the most popular and effective ways to increase your residence’s energy rating. You may currently have insulation but if it was not done correctly then you are going to decrease your energy rating. It has been estimated that an uninsulated roof can lose up to 33% of the property’s heat. You can feel the difference especially if you have bedrooms at the top of your house. Increasing insulation in your loft by a mere 270mm thick layering will significantly reduce the heat escaping through the roof.
Wall insulation is equally important in improving your energy rating. There are several ways that wall insulation can be done, for example, you can insulate the external surface of the walls, the internal surface, and by installing a cavity wall. The average cost for cavity wall insulation for a semi-detached property ranges between $350 to $500 for insulation. As for solid wall insulation (external and internal wall insulation) is far more expensive, but consider this an investment as it will help you to save significantly on heating bills. Both internal and external wall insulations will cost you well into the thousands, so it needs careful consideration.
4. Use An Energy Efficient Boiler
Another effective method to increase your energy rating is to opt for a newer model of boiler. Depending on how old your boiler is you may want to consider using an energy-efficient boiler. If your boiler is only a couple of years old then it probably is not worth making the switch just yet, but it is worth keeping it in mind for the future. A reliable and efficient heating system is at the crux of a good energy rating, and many homes are reducing their EPC rating by using an inefficient boiler. To achieve the minimum EPC rating you need 39 points, and switching to an energy-efficient boiler could increase your score by 40 points! So a new boiler can meet the threshold just by itself.
It is not a cheap method, and it is likely to cost between $1000 to $3000 to do, but over time you will make your money back as your home will become much more energy-efficient and the bills will reduce significantly.
5. Use An Efficient Secondary Heating Source
Some people like to opt for a secondary heating system, such as a wood-burning stove to help increase efficiency and reduce costs. This is a less popular method in general, but it is still worth exploring. Other secondary heating sources include fireplaces, space heaters and electric blankets. If you want to target a specific area of your home then an electric blanket can be a great option as you will feel nice and warm without having to blast the heat up for the entire home.
6. Install A Smart Meter
Installing a smart meter will allow you to know exactly how much energy you are using, and this awareness can help you regulate energy use so that you become less wasteful. This will help to reduce energy bills and help to improve your energy rating.
There are downsides to using smart meters, as some people have experienced higher anxiety due to being hyper-aware of every single penny that is being spent. This can lead to people depriving themselves of necessary heating and lighting, creating an unhealthy living environment. While improving your home’s energy rating is important, it should not come at the expense of your mental health, so if you start to become fixated on your smart meter then you should stop using it immediately.
The above-mentioned methods are all effective ways to help improve your residence’s energy rating. It is wise to pay attention and take action now as you will quickly begin to reap the rewards of an energy-efficient home.
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