Why EPC rating matters: 101 to a higher quality of life with lower bills

Britain's homes are currently not adequately prepared for our cold winters and rising energy prices. Many homes, especially those built before 1930, including numerous from the Victorian era, lack the basic insulation modern properties have. The consequences? Higher bills, cold winters, substandard temperature regulation, lower quality of life, and increased carbon emissions.

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides data on a home's energy use, the typical costs associated with it, and ways to reduce energy consumption and save money. Homes are rated on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). EPC is acquired by booking an assessment with an accredited assessor. Notably, while mortgage providers currently don't consider the EPC rating when offering mortgages, this may soon change.

A higher EPC rating implies better energy efficiency. A house rated 'A' is significantly more energy-efficient than one rated 'G'. Unfortunately, more than 50% of British homes score a 'D' or below, highlighting the outdated nature of much of our housing.

Renters in energy-efficient properties can enjoy:

• Reduced utility bills.
• A comfortable living environment with better temperature control.
• Reduced risk of respiratory problems and allergens often associated with poorly insulated homes.

Example:
Consider two identical homes in Camden. One has an EPC C due to added room-in-roof and Internal wall insulation, double glazing, and a modern boiler, another one is EPC E. Compared to its less efficient counterpart, the upgraded house could save its occupants £1000+ annually, especially in winter.

Property owners with a higher EPC rating stand to:

• Save on energy bills: Research indicates a potential average annual saving of £390 for households upgrading to higher insulation standards.
• Increase property value: A higher EPC can make a home more appealing to potential buyers or renters.
• Reduce maintenance costs: Energy-efficient homes have fewer issues related to moisture, mould, and temperature fluctuations.

Improving a property's EPC is an investment in long-term savings and comfort. Key measures include:
1. Wall Insulation:

• The Why? About a third of the heat in an uninsulated home exits through the walls.
• The Solution? Insulate your cavity walls for a potential annual saving of approximately £395. For homes with solid walls, insulation can be done either internally or externally, yielding yearly savings of around £540 for a semi-detached house.

2. Floor Insulation:

• The Why? To elevate your EPC rating and save on heating.
• The Solution? Approximately 15% of heat is lost via this route. Insulation beneath floorboards can result in annual savings of up to £110. Putting 100mm of insulation in a house with no insulation will make a 72% increase in efficiency.

3. Loft Insulation:

• The Why? Most homes have some loft insulation, but it's usually insufficient.
• The Solution? Boosting the insulation from 120mm to 270mm can save around £55 annually.

4. Low-Energy Lighting:

• The Why? Quick and impactful improvement for EPC ratings.
• The Solution? Swapping traditional bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. It's a £90 investment with an annual return of about £65.

5. Enhanced Hot Water Cylinder Insulation:

• The Why? It's a frequent EPC recommendation.
• The Solution? Use an 80mm thick British Standard jacket for insulation, leading to yearly savings of around £100.

6. Effective Heating Controls:

• The Why? Optimal temperature regulation for long-term savings.
• The Solution? Minor adjustments, like reducing the thermostat by a degree, can save £145 annually. Though it costs around £600, full set installations can result in £180 yearly savings for semi-detached homes.

7. Condensing Boiler Replacement:

• The Why? Modernise outdated heating systems.
• The Solution? An A-rated gas boiler replacement can set you back by about £4,000, but the return comes in the form of a £540 yearly reduction in bills.

8. Double Glazing:

• The Why? Enhanced window energy efficiency.
• The Solution? Opting for A-rated double glazing can lead to savings of around £195 annually for certain homes.

9. Solar Panels:

• The Why? Harness renewable energy for significant long-term savings.
• The Solution? An initial cost of approximately £5,500 can yield annual savings of £325. Moreover, this transition can reduce household carbon emissions substantially.

The impending energy crisis, rising energy costs, mould problems, cold properties, and Britain’s commitment to reducing emissions make it crucial to address our home energy efficiencies. Even though achieving a rating of 'C' or above on the EPC might not seem urgent now, as we progress, it will become increasingly significant in property transactions. With potential savings of £10bn annually on energy bills nationally, the call to action is clear: invest in your home, reduce your bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Britain.
As Londoners, we have the power to lead this change. After all, a warmer home isn't just about comfort; it's about making wise, forward-looking decisions that benefit us all.