What is an EPC rating and why should it matter to property owners? An EPC is an Energy Performance Certificate and the ratings run from G (worst) to A (best). Read on to find out why improving your EPC rating will help you financially.
Who provides EPC ratings?
There are three types of energy certificate:
- Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) for homes and business property
- Display Energy Certificates (DEC) for public buildings
- Air conditioning inspection certificates
To get an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your home or business premises, you will need a qualified assessor. A full list can be found on the gov.uk website. Note: Scotland has a different process for EPC ratings.
The assessor will issue a report that will make recommendations for upgrades that would make the house or building more energy efficient. They’ll provide an estimate of the potential savings that could be made from the upgrades. They assess the roof, windows, walls, floors, heating, heating controls, and lighting in the property.
What is an EPC rating?
An EPC rating is a rating from G (least energy efficient) to A (most energy efficient). The ratings tally with points from the government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). The assessor will add up the points during the assessment and provide a certificate with an EPC rating.
G = 1-20 points
F = 21-38 points
E = 39-54 points
D = 55-68 points
C = 69-80 points
B = 81-91 points
A = 92-100 points
Why does having a good EPC matter?
A high EPC rating means that your home or business property is energy efficient. This means that your bills for energy will be lower than they would be in a similarly sized, less efficient building. A good EPC rating reduces your carbon footprint.
A good EPC rating also means that your property is more likely to sell, if you plan to put it on the market. It can increase the value and open the door to better mortgage rates, which makes it attractive for buyers.
If you are a landlord or planning to rent your property out, it is a legal requirement to have an up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate and to meet the Domestic Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) Regulations. These currently require a property to have an EPC rating of E or better. Although there are some exemptions.
How can I improve my EPC rating?
EDF suggests that some of the ways that you can improve your EPC rating are insulation (including loft and wall insulation), replacing your boiler with an energy efficient boiler, installing solar panels, and installing double glazing.
In addition to these ideas, the Energy Saving Trust recommends ground floor insulation, LED lighting, hot water cylinder insulation, and using automated heating controls. They estimate that a home can save £395 (cavity walls) to £540 (solid walls) on energy bills if wall insulation is improved.
Elite Renewables recently upgraded their office and showroom from a D rating to an A rating. They pointed out that a commercial building has no energy price cap, so it is in the business owner’s best interest to improve energy efficiency. It would also help them to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their net zero targets.
If you would like free training for your business on net zero; auditing, setting and reaching targets for reducing your carbon footprint, join Blue Patch today.
