When it comes to boosting Energy Performance Certificate ratings, upgrades around the property make an undeniable difference.
Bigger upgrades are guaranteed to increase EPC points rapidly, but equally a combination of small, inexpensive upgrades can work just as well to boost the overall rating. In addition to this, there is support available to make covering the costs more attainable.
Before committing to any improvements, budgets must be set aside and how EPCs get assessed should be understood. This will allow better decisions to be made about the necessary improvements to reach higher EPC ratings.
The cost of upgrades that increase EPC ratings
Habito’s analysis of costs involved with upgrading a property help better understand the correlation between the cost of specific upgrades and EPC ratings.
The research shows how much it would cost to raise a D-grade EPC to a C. According to the findings, it will cost roughly £3,653 for a one-bedroom flat to achieve this rating. A small terrace house is likely to cost up to £6,400 to go from a D to a C, while £12,540 worth of energy-saving improvements is said to get larger detached homes from a D to a C grade.
- Window replacements can improve an EPC score by up to 10 points. These range between £100 to £1,230. The size of the window as well as the total needed determines the overall price.
- Loft insulation can add 30 points to an EPC rating, which is guaranteed to make a significant difference. Checkatrade estimate this upgrade costs £250 for labour alone. Factors such as the cost of materials and the amount of insulation required determine the overall cost.
- Switching to a newer model of boiler can increase the EPC rating up to 40 points. Costs range between £600 to £2,500 for a replacement boiler.
- Solar panels can add up to 15 points to EPC ratings. These are by no means cheap as Energy Saving Trust’s figures claim a 4.2 kilowatt-peak solar panel system is about £6,500.
Use a combination of small home upgrades
- Using a combination of small home upgrades can help to get closer to a higher EPC rating. Although smaller upgrades may not be worth as many points, every point counts.
- Draught proofing can add a few points to an EPC rating. These can be done as a DIY task and only require silicone sealant that costs up to £30.
- Replacing halogen lightbulbs with more environmentally-friendly models can secure a few more points. LED bulbs typically start from £3.50 each.
- Strip lights, linear fluorescent lamps, and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are other inexpensive lighting options that should be considered.
Seek help with covering the cost
Before investing in property improvements to increase your EPC rating, be sure to research financial help that is available.
Housing associations can to apply for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund . Registered providers must improve their stock using a fabric-first approach to a minimum C-grade.
Local authorities can benefit from the Home Upgrade Grant . This is targeted towards off-gas heated homes.
There are plenty of green mortgages for large portfolio landlords to make use of. These reward buyers for purchasing an eco-friendly home or making energy-saving improvements to their property.
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme could also help save money on improving EPC ratings. They provide grants for low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps.
Here at PropCert, we are a nationwide provider of property services including Energy Performance Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports, Asbestos Surveys, Fire Risk Assessments and more.
