We frequently work with properties that are in need of complete modernisation, be that through a home renovation, refurbishment or extension. Victorian and Edwardian properties were built over one hundred years ago. As a result, they are not efficient from an energy performance perspective. The windows were single glazed, and the homeowners relied on fires as a heat source. In modern day life, we have central heating systems, double and triple glazed windows, and even fancy doors with glazing that has thermal transmittance. Think it stops there? Think again. There are actually thermostats that have smart technology programmed within them, which learn and predict whether you need a room to be heated. In more recent years, we have also begun to see air conditioning units installed within our London properties. Times are changing – and we are just trying to keep up with the latest trends. 

We, at Home Tales, feel it’s important to understand all aspects of the home renovation process. The energy performance of your property is a big factor in the renovation and modernisation process. We thought we would explain what a EPC (energy performance certificate) is, and how you can make your home more energy efficient (thus increasing your EPC rating). 

If you have bought, sold or rented a property, you will have come across the energy performance certificate (EPC). For residential properties, this is also known as a House Energy Rating. This is a rating to summarise the energy efficiency of buildings within the European Union. 

What is a EPC? 

In short, it’s a review of the property’s energy efficiency. Their main purpose is to allow potential buyers or renters to understand how energy efficient the property is. This offers an indication of how high the energy bills will be. The property is given a colour coded rating from A-G, as well as advice on how you could improve the property’s efficiency. A is the best rating and G is the worst.

Once issued, the EPC will be valid for 10 years. If your EPC is older than 10 years, you’ll need to get a new one before you can sell or rent your property. If you make home modifications it’s well worth getting a new rating survey done do your rating can be updated. 

Who determines the rating?

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, EPCs are carried out by EPC assessors. This includes a brief survey of the property. The rating will be based on the amount of energy used per m2 and the level of carbon dioxide emissions (given in tonnes per year).

How can I increase my rating? 

There are loads of ways to increase the energy performance of your home. If you have a Victorian or Edwardian property, the windows will be a huge influencing factor. The original windows installed on these properties have single pane glass, and in general, windows were quite poorly constructed in these eras. With the development of technology and machinery, windows today are much better. They are tighter in their fitting; they have to have doubled glazing to meet current building regulations. They also typically have fancy in-built sealants to help with insultation. Carpets are another way to help keep your rooms insulation. Most carpet fitters will offer a variety of underlays before they fit your carpet. These generally have different pros and cons when it comes to noise and heat insulation. You might be surprised to hear that curtains are a good insulator. Thick set curtains can do a fantastic job at keeping your rooms warm. Underfloor heating is a popular addition to our home extension projects. Believe it or not, they are actually incredibly energy efficient. They distribute heat much more effectively and require a low temperature to function.  

Should a bad rating put me off buying a property?

No, but it depends a little bit on your plans for the property. If you are planning to renovate and are willing to invest in energy efficient improvements, then it shouldn’t put you off. Read more about how you can make your home more energy efficient here.

Each EPC rating will have a section in which actions are suggested to improve the EPC rating within the home. This is particularly useful if you are buying a property with the intention of undertaking home improvements.

The average rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is band D (rating 60). 

Got questions? Give our friendly team a call today on 0207 043 2378 or email us at hello@hometales.co.uk. We would be happy to book you in for a site visit with a member of our team. During this visit we will learn more about your project and we will also take the opportunity to explain more about how we work. Following the visit, we will issue a free, no obligation quote for the works. You can also book a site visit online via our booking portal. Have a visit confirmed within seconds.