Tips

Energy Efficiency Tips

      Things that improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating.

• • Loft insulation has a substantial impact on the EPC rating.  A minimum of 250mm is recommended. If the insulation cannot be seen and measured, because of either restricted access or the insulation is boarded over, it will be reported as 'unknown'. This will have a negative effect on the EPC rating. Documentation which proves loft insulation is fitted can be used for the assessment.

  • Cavity wall insulation also has a substantial impact on the EPC rating. The age of the building is used as a basis. If cavity wall insulation has been added post build then having documentation available stating the cavities have been insulated can be added to the assessment. This also applies to any retrofitted underfloor insulation.

  • Double and triple glazed windows have a positive effect on the EPC rating. The amount of benefit is based on the date of manufacture/install.  If the date is not visible in the units, then having documentation available to show the installation date can be used.  

  • Draft proofing: most modern windows and doors feature built-in draft proofing. Having draft-proofing to all openings will improve the EPC rating.  

  • Boiler information: Having the exact make and model of the gas or oil heating boiler can establish the exact efficiency of the boiler. This is likely to give a higher EPC score than the software default setting for the type of boiler. Having any information/manuals is advantageous. 

  • Having Central Heating controls such as Programmers/Timers and Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s) will have a positive affect on the EPC rating.

  • If you have a hot water tank, make sure there is plenty of insulation around it. A minimum of 75mm is recommended.   

  • Showers: Having a mixer shower running off the primary central heating system is seen as a positive. Electric showers can have a negative affect on an EPC rating.

  • Fixed light fittings should all have low energy lamps fitted. This will improve the EPC rating. 

• • New Technologies such as Solar, either Photovoltaic Panels or Solar Water Heating Panels, Battery Storage, Wind Turbine, Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems and Flue Gas Heat Recovery will have a positive affect on the EPC rating.