Many people are there are not aware of the EPC and also most of them do not know that an EPC or energy performance certificate is valid for 10 years. The EPC mainly shows how energy efficient your home is and it is one of the most important things in buying, selling, or renting a property because it gives you an idea and broadens your horizons on the subject like energy bills, and carbon emissions, so on. There are many things that you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Even if you are not planning to leave your house you should have a look at your home’s EPC and know what are how you can lessen your energy bills and carbon emissions. After you have made improvements to your home, make sure that you choose a good department from where EPC can be re-issued to you.
EPC Ratings –
Through a government website, you can access any home’s EPC. There are also EPC ratings that have 2 main charts with the rating bands. The bands comprise from A to G. A is the best rating for your home and G is the worst rating. If you have carried out the suggested home improvements then you can check out the current rating and potential rating in the chart and the numbers in the rating shows the government’s SAP (standard assessment procedure) from 1 to 100 SAP points.
And, the scores are divided into bands like this –
- EPC with an A = 92-100 SAP points (very efficient)
- EPC with a B = 81-91 SAP points
- EPC with a C = 69-80 SAP points
- EPC with a D = 55-68 SAP points
- EPC with a E = 39-54 SAP points
- EPC with a F = 21-38 SAP points
- EPC with a G = 1-20 SAP points (not efficient)
Enhancing Your EPC Rating –
When your home’s energy efficiency is improved it means your EPC is improved. You can reduce your electricity bill and make your home warmer and more comfortable increasing the value and reducing the carbon footprint. Some ways in which you can improve your EPC are as follows –
You can choose to double glaze your home by upgrading the windows and doors which will reduce the noise and improve the home’s energy. Loft insulation is another it is easy to install and also inexpensive and can make a difference in your bills. Make sure that you install a loft that is 270mm thick. Wall insulation and replacing the boiler is another method of improving the energy of your home. Use an energy-efficient boiler. Solar panels can also help in creating cheaper and greener energy. You can check on EPC website for solar panel information.
Time for Assessment –
An EPC assessment takes around 45 minutes it can also take an hour or so depending on the size of your property or house. Once the EPC assessment is done you will get your certificate quickly and in a couple of days. Check with the assessor when you have booked an assessment. EPC is valid for 10 years.