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As we begin to see the effects of climate change on our everyday lives in the UK, the world is becoming increasingly aware that we must do what we can to reduce the amount of energy we waste. One fundamental way to do this is to increase the EPC rating in UK homes and reduce carbon emissions.
With energy prices going through the roof, it has never been more critical for us to reduce our energy use. This can be done by making our homes as energy efficient as possible.
The best way to know how energy efficient our homes are is to have an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) inspection. In the inspection, a qualified assessor will examine the property’s energy efficiency, including insulation and heating systems.
After that, the assessor will give you a certificate that indicates the property’s energy efficiency rating. The rating is on a scale of A to G, with an A being the most energy efficient and a G being the least.
We have compiled a guide for an in-depth analysis of the average EPC rating in UK homes.
What is an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a property’s energy efficiency benchmark.
It is a standardised evaluation that assesses how effectively a building uses energy and produces carbon emissions.
What is an EPC Rating Check?
The check of an EPC rating is where an assessor evaluates:
- The age, size, and type of property
- The building fabric energy efficiency, such as walls, roof, and windows
- The energy efficiency of lighting and appliances
- The energy efficiency of the heating and hot water systems
This rating system allots a grade, ranging from ‘A’ (the most energy-efficient) to ‘G’ (the least energy-efficient), to a property depending on its energy performance.
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Understanding Your EPC Certificate
The scores associated with each energy efficiency band are:
Grade | Points |
A | 92-100SAP Points |
B | 81-91SAP Points |
C | 69-80SAP Points |
D | 55-68SAP Points |
E | 39-54SAP Points |
F | 21-38SAP Points |
G | 1-20SAP Points (Least Efficient) |
Why is an EPC Important?
The UK government has a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. EPC ratings are essential to this target, as they can help identify and improve buildings’ energy efficiency.
The government has launched several schemes to improve EPC ratings, including:
- All new homes must be built to an EPC rating of C or above.
- Present lowest EPC rating requirements for rented properties.
- Offering financial incentives to homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Furthermore, energy efficiency is essential because it can reduce energy bills (which are becoming increasingly unaffordable in the UK), improve occupant comfort and health, and extend the property’s lifespan.
A property with a high EPC rating will attract purchasers and tenants and may command a higher price.
What is the Average EPC Rating in UK Homes?
In the UK homes, the average EPC rating is band D. The average home is particularly inefficient and could benefit from energy efficiency upgrades, especially with the new government scheme.
According to recent news, the government is considering extending the deadline for landlords to meet EPC standards, initially set for April 2025. This is due to rising energy costs and the need for help finding affordable energy-efficient upgrades.
The government has also proposed some reforms to the EPC system to improve its accuracy and transparency. One reform is introducing a new scoring system, making it more straightforward for homeowners to understand their EPC rating in UK homes and requiring landlords to provide EPC certificates to prospective tenants.
EPC Rating in UK Homes
We first looked at the average UK EPC ratings by region. ‘EPC’ stands for Energy Performance Certificate and is a rating given to homes and properties to help describe how efficient homes are by considering the building materials used, the heating systems, and insulation. An EPC gives a rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) to show how costly it will be to power or heat a property. And it also points out how much room for improvement there is. On average, homes with lower EPC ratings pay more for heating and energy. With more clarity regarding EPCs, what do the average ECP ratings across the UK look like?
Firstly, it’s important to note that the country’s target band rating is currently an E (39-54 points), with an initiative pushing landlords and homeowners to raise it to a C by 2025. All regions in the UK currently sit in band D (55-68 points), with some areas edging closer to the target band than others.
In all UK regions, Greater London has the highest average EPC rating. However, while the property prices are among some of the highest in the country, those living in the capital pay some of the lowest energy bills – a great benefit! Conversely, Wales has the lowest average EPC rating of all regions. However, there is a good reason for the Western areas having less-than-good heat retention. Most properties along the western fringes of the country are ancient. They aren’t suitable for modern insulation methods, such as cavity wall insulation, due to exposure to more wind and driven rain, which can cause mould issues. Cavity wall insulation is a type of heat retention technology that fills the gap between your home’s inner and outer walls with insulating material – retaining and reflecting heat into your home.
How Much Energy UK Homes Are Consuming?
Knowing what we do about the average EPC rating in UK homes, seeing the results on energy consumption levels is unsurprising. By energy consumption, we include the energy used for heating, hot water, and lighting.
Despite other UK regions, homes in Wales consume more energy – not surprising considering they are also the least efficient at retaining heat. On the other hand, London boasts some of the lowest energy consumption rates in the country. Moving from Wales to Greater London, you can cut your yearly energy consumption by over 26%.
How Much are We Spending on our Energy Bills?
It will probably come as no surprise to hear that energy bill prices are directly affected by the rates of energy consumption and efficiency ratings. Homes that use more energy to run and heat will cost more than homes that retain warmth better.
Wales and Greater London are once again at opposite ends of the comparison. Residents of Greater London pay the least for their annual energy bills on average, thanks to better efficiency and lower energy consumption. At the top of the list, Wales pays the most for their bills annually. By moving from Wales to Greater London, you could save:
- An average of £248.32 on heating per year
- About £11.62 on your annual lighting bills
- Around £25.19 on your annual hot water bills
This means you could potentially have a total saving of £285.13 off your yearly energy bills.
Steps to Improve EPC Rating
Insulation is Key
A key factor to improve your property’s EPC rating is its level of insulation. Ensure that your property is adequately insulated in the walls and the roof.
Double-glazed windows and doors can also help maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling.
Upgrade Your Heating System
An efficient heating system can essentially improve your EPC rating. Older boilers and heaters can be replaced with energy-efficient models, and the heating system can be regularly serviced to ensure optimal performance.
Manage Draughts
Draughts can significantly impact your property’s energy efficiency. Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent heat from escaping and cold air from entering.
Invest in Renewable Energy Sources
Consider incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines into your property. These can produce electricity for your property, lowering reliance on fossil fuels and improving your EPC rating.
Regular EPC Assessments
For EPC assessments, regularly monitor your property’s energy performance. This will help you find improvement areas and track progress toward a higher EPC rating.
Conclusion
As climate change begins to bite and energy bills rise in the UK, ensuring that our homes are as energy-efficient as possible is essential for everyone. An EPC rating in UK is the best way to understand how energy efficient your home is and to determine what measures you should take to improve it and get a better rating. Compliance with these regulations benefits the environment and ensures your property is attractive to potential buyers and tenants.
Overall, improving your property’s EPC rating is a good take. It reduces your property’s environmental impact and increases its market value.
Frequently Asked Questions
EPC is graded from A ( most efficient) to G (Least efficient). The average EPC rating in the UK is band D, but a new initiative is to make all EPC ratings in the C band.
A good EPC rating would be in band A, which means it has 92-100 SAP points. However, a sustainable EPC rating would be between the A and D bands.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can impact your property’s market value. According to UK law, every newly built and leased property must have a standard EPC rating to show potential buyers or tenants.
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