Whether you're looking to buy your first home or your next home, there's one important factor you shouldn't overlook as part of your decision-making criteria - your new home’s energy rating. The energy performance certificate will indicate the efficiency of your potential new home and is worth considering especially when determining your affordability and running costs. For first-time buyers, affordability is highly important as it can affect your application to secure a mortgage so the higher the EPC rating, the less your monthly outgoings on utility bills will be.
Understanding what makes up an EPC and how the rating is calculated is useful if you're looking for a more energy-efficient property that could save your family money and help reduce your impact on the environment. In this short article, we’ll explain what an EPC is and how it can benefit your family’s decision to choose your next home.
What is an energy-performance certificate (EPC)?
An EPC is an important document that rates the energy efficiency of a home and is primarily used when someone looking to sell or rent out a home.
It's essentially a report that gives a rating for the property's energy efficiency and makes recommendations on how to improve the efficiency. The EPC rating system starts at A, being the highest-rated efficiency down to a G rating. For homes in the UK, new regulations mean that landlords cannot rent out a home with a lower energy rating of E however there is no minimum for selling a home. It is however a legal requirement to ensure there is a valid EPC in place at the point of both sale and rental.
What is reviewed to complete the EPC?
An EPC survey is conducted by an energy assessor and will include recommendations on how to improve the energy efficiency of the property, such as adding insulation or upgrading the heating system and therefore there are multiple elements they will review to provide the rating, such as:
- The construction of the building
- The type and age of the property
- Amount of insulation
- Type and performance, of windows and doors
- Heating system and energy features such as boilers
- Any renewable energy sources
What are the benefits of a higher-rated home?
There are many benefits of a home with a good, higher-rated EPC score, such as:
- Lower energy bills: a higher-rated home means it is more energy-efficient and therefore you’ll likely notice a reduction in your monthly energy and utility bills.
- Warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer: your home will have fewer draughts and reduce the number of hot and cold spots in your home meaning that you’ll likely be more comfortable throughout the year.
- Increased property value: A higher EPC rating can increase the value of a property. This is because more and more people are looking for energy-efficient homes, and they are willing to pay more for them.
- Lower carbon footprint: by reducing your energy usage and promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, you'll be doing your part to help the environment and safeguard the planet.
When it comes to buying a new home, it’s beneficial to consider energy efficiency in relation to your family and household usage. Living in a more energy-efficient home can help to reduce your monthly utility bills as well as your carbon footprint, and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle for your family.
