If you’re buying a new home or looking to upgrade your existing one, then you need to ensure that energy efficiency is near the top of your property checklist.
Not only can it offer some excellent cost savings, but it has many other benefits for you and the local environment.
If you’re ready to find out why energy efficiency should be on your property checklist, then keep reading this short guide.
Understanding EPC ratings
A property’s EPC (or Energy Performance Certificate) is a document that rates the various energy efficiency measures within a home or building.
With a score and rating from A to G, properties with a better score are deemed more efficient, using less energy and are better at retaining the energy they do use.
One reason these are so important is that they give an accurate picture of the property’s energy usage.
For instance, if a property is rated E, F, or G, you know that you’re likely to spend a considerable amount on heating and your bills are likely to be quite high.
In contrast, a property rated A or B may have triple-glazed windows and better insulation, helping to keep your home warm with minimal energy use.
EPC ratings are also extremely useful when it’s time to sell your home, as many buyers are willing to pay more upfront for an efficient property.
Why fabric and heating matter
There are numerous ways to heat your home and keep it warm. While traditional, conventional boilers are common, they’re not as efficient as newer, low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps.
By using a heat pump, not only are you reducing the amount of carbon produced by heating your home, you’re also reducing the amount of energy you use.
That means you should experience a reduction in bills, which can be life-saving during a cost-of-living crisis.
Additionally, using insulating materials like fabric throughout your home can help your property retain heat.
In other words, your central heating system might only need to be used for a limited time to achieve the same warmth.
Scalable standards in new homes
According to the Future Homes Standard 2025, the government wants to cut carbon emissions by 75-80% compared to current standards.
In other words, that means new build homes will be developed using more efficient methods, which will contribute to net-zero goals.
Two key ways new home builders are expected to achieve this are through fabric efficiency and with low-carbon heating systems.
When shopping for new build homes, check whether developers are meeting or exceeding the new Future Homes Standard. If they do, then this ensures long-term savings and a future-proof asset.
Some key features to look for include insulation throughout the home, energy-efficient windows, and even rainwater harvesting technologies.
