Understanding EPC: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Overview

– Understand what an EPC is and when it is required

– Information on what an EPC contains

– Understand general rules of practice that can help increase your EPC rating

– Identify how electric heating products may impact your EPC rating

What is an EPC?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are essential tools for evaluating the energy efficiency of buildings. These certificates provide a clear and comprehensive energy efficiency rating for properties, ranging from A (highly efficient) to G (highly inefficient).

Beyond simply rating a building’s current energy efficiency, EPCs include detailed recommendations for improvements. By following these suggestions, property owners can significantly enhance energy performance and reduce costs. Even renters can benefit from the advice provided in EPCs, such
as switching to energy-efficient light bulbs.

EPCs are valid for 10 years from the date of issuance. Ensuring your EPC is up-to-date allows you to fully benefit from the cost savings and environmental advantages it offers.

When is an EPC Required?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is mandatory when:

Selling a property
Renting out a property
Building a new property

You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before marketing your property for sale or rent. In Scotland, it is a legal requirement to display the EPC within the property, for example, in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.

What Information Does an EPC Contain?

An EPC includes:

Information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs
Recommendations for improvements

Make sure to obtain an EPC to understand your property’s energy performance and take steps to enhance its efficiency.

Note: Properties are not all utilised in the same manner. The energy efficiency rating is based on ‘standard occupancy’ assumptions (usually 2 adults and 2 children), which may differ significantly from how you actually use heating and lighting in your home.

General Information: What improves an EPC?

Improving an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score typically involves a combination of upgrades and modifications to enhance a property’s energy efficiency. Here are some common measures that can help:

1. Insulation:

Loft Insulation: Adding or improving insulation in the loft or attic helps retain heat.

Wall Insulation: Insulating cavity walls or adding external or internal insulation to solid walls can significantly reduce heat loss.

Floor Insulation: Insulating floors, especially those above unheated spaces, can improve energy efficiency.

2. Heating Systems:

Boiler Upgrade: Replacing an old boiler with a new, energy-efficient boiler can increase your EPC rating.

Heating Controls: Installing programmable thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and smart heating controls can help allow you to set custom heating requirements.

3. Windows and Doors:

Double or Triple Glazing: Upgrading to double or triple glazed windows reduces heat loss.

Draught Proofing: Sealing gaps around windows and doors to prevent draughts.

4. Lighting:

Energy Efficient Lighting: Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or other energy-efficient lighting options.

5. Renewable Energy:

Solar Panels: Installing photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity.

Solar Water Heating: Using solar panels to heat water.

Heat Pumps: Installing air source or ground source heat pumps.

6. Hot Water Systems:

Insulated Hot Water Cylinder: Adding an insulation jacket to the hot water cylinder.

Efficient Hot Water Controls: Installing timers and thermostats on hot water tanks.

7. Appliances and Electronics:

Energy-Efficient Appliances: Using appliances with high energy efficiency ratings.

Energy Management Systems: Implementing systems to manage and reduce energy consumption.

8. Building Fabric Improvements:

Roof Improvements: Enhancing the energy performance of the roof, such as through insulation or reflective coatings.

External Shading: Installing external shading devices to reduce cooling loads in summer.

By implementing these measures, property owners can improve their EPC scores, resulting in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

How Electric Heating Products affect EPC Ratings?

High Heat Retention Storage Heaters:

Our High Heat Retention Storage Heaters use electricity to heat up magnetite bricks during off-peak hours, typically at night when energy prices are at their lowest. Magnetite bricks are chosen for their exceptional heat retention capabilities, allowing them to store heat efficiently and release it when needed. During the day, the stored heat is released into the room through convection, with the help of a fan to distribute the warmth evenly.

One of the main benefits of High Heat Retention Storage Heaters is their ability to retain heat for long periods of time. This extended heat retention ensures that warmth is available throughout the day, even during peak hours when electricity prices are higher. As a result, these heaters provide a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature without the need for continuous energy consumption.

Situations where HHR storage heaters are recommended:

Properties with a low EPC rating due to the use of panel heaters. Replacing Panel Heaters to HHR Storage Heaters will increase your EPC score by approximately 16 points.

When replacing existing/old storage heaters. Replacing old type storage heaters will increase your EPC score by approximately 4 points.

Where heat pumps cannot be fitted, the next best choice would be HHR Storage Heaters.

Situations where HHR storage heaters are suggested not to be used:

Properties with access to mains gas, as gas heating typically offers lower costs and improves EPC ratings.

Properties with a high heat demand exceeding 12,000 kWh per annum. In the absence of gas, alternative fuel sources like oil or heat pumps should be considered. Using LPG is discouraged as it can significantly lower EPC ratings.

How to choose the perfect HHR Storage Heaters:

When choosing a High Heat Retention Storage Heater it is incredibly important that the storage heater is within the EPC database. To check this, please click here. In regards to our heaters, they are under Elnur Gabarron.

Electric Radiators

Our electric radiators are known for their efficient and precise heating capabilities, offering advanced control features and stylish designs suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. They emphasise energy efficiency and comfort, utilising modern technology to provide reliable warmth with minimal environmental impact.

How do they impact your EPC score?

Electric radiators do score poorly on an EPC as it uses electricity as its primary score of energy, and electricity is a high cost fuel. They are considered to be 100% efficient, so each kWh of electricity will give you a kWh of heat.

However, the challenge lies in the significant cost disparity between electricity and gas, with electricity generally being three to four times more expensive. For electric radiators to match the cost-effectiveness of gas central heating, they would need to be three to four times more efficient than they currently are. This cost inefficiency is a primary reason for their poor EPC ratings.

Electric Boilers

Our electric boilers are known for their reliability and efficiency in providing heating solutions for residential spaces around the UK. They are designed to deliver consistent and comfortable warmth while maximising energy efficiency. Our electric boilers incorporate advanced technology and controls to optimise performance and minimise environmental impact, making them a popular choice for modern heating systems.

How do they impact your EPC score?

Electric boilers, much like electric radiators, do score poorly on an EPC as it uses electricity as its primary score of energy, and electricity is a high cost fuel.

Due to the EPC rating being based on running costs, an electric boiler will always rate lower than a gas boiler. If you do decide to have an electric boiler installed in a residential property, it would be wise to get an EPC rating carried out before you install it, so that the exact impact on the EPC can be easily determined.