Find out energy efficiency of your home, Property eco grants, Lower bills tips, Higher EPC rating advice
How To Find Out And Understand The Energy Efficiency Of Your Home
7 May 2024
When it comes to property in the 21st century, energy efficiency has become a factor that is more and more important for buyers and renters. Playing a huge part in a person’s decision to buy or rent a property. Due to the impact this can have both on your energy bills but also the environment and the costs to renovate and upgrade the home.
Knowing how energy efficient your home is and understanding what this means can make all the difference when it comes to making smart investments and informed decisions to future-proof your home. And with the UK government cracking down on the ageing property stock in this country and encouraging the installation of energy efficient measures, there is no better time than now to learn more about this important topic.
Check for an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate):
If you’ve recently bought or rented your property, you should have received an EPC certificate.
EPCs are valid for 10 years and provide a letter grade (A-G) indicating your home’s energy efficiency, with A being the most efficient and G the least.
The certificate also details potential energy cost savings and recommends areas for improvement.
Here’s how knowing your home’s energy efficiency is a:
Smart Investment: For buyers, a higher EPC rating can translate to a higher property value. For renters, a lower energy bill can free up budget space for other expenses.
Sustainable Choice: Choosing an energy-efficient home reduces your environmental impact and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle.
Informed Decision: Understanding the energy efficiency allows you to make informed decisions about potential upgrades and renovations to improve comfort and potentially save money in the long run.
By prioritising energy efficiency, you’re not just making a smart financial decision, you’re contributing to a greener future.
If you don’t know how energy efficient your home is, there are a number of ways in which you can find out, including the following:
Conduct a Home Energy Assessment:
If you don’t have an EPC or your EPC is outdated, consider getting a professional home energy assessment.
An assessor will visit your home, inspect it, and analyse factors like insulation, heating systems, and air leaks.
They will provide a report detailing your home’s energy use, identify areas for improvement, and estimate potential cost savings from efficiency upgrades.
Understanding Your Energy Bill:
While not as detailed as an EPC or a professional assessment, your energy bill can offer some valuable insights into your home’s energy efficiency. Look for sections in your bill that break down your energy consumption by month or season. Significant fluctuations in your energy use could indicate inefficiencies in your heating or cooling systems. For instance, if your heating bills are significantly higher in the winter than you expect, it might be a sign that your home has inadequate insulation or air leaks.
By combining information from an EPC, a potential home energy assessment, and your energy bill, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your home’s energy efficiency. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about improvements that can save you money and benefit the environment.
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