Making Your Home More Energy Efficient

When you are a property owner, ensuring that your home is energy efficient is a high priority. The more energy efficient your home is, the less your carbon footprint is, and the more affordable your bills will be.

Many homes are still very energy inefficient, and their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings are below a C. The government’s goal is to ensure that most homes will have an EPC rating of C by 2035.

There are many reasons why investing in your home and improving its energy efficiency is a brilliant idea. We will tell you how updating your home’s energy efficiency will significantly benefit you and give you the best tips on how to do it.

How To Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

The EPC of your home measures its overall energy efficiency. EPC ratings range from A to G, with A being the highest, resulting in a lower power cost to heat your home. Your energy consumption will also have a much lighter carbon footprint. On the other hand, the EPC rating of G is the lowest, resulting in a higher bill and environmental impact.

EPCs are valid for up to ten years, and you can check the EPC register to find out if your home has a recent rating. If there isn’t one or it is expired, you can set up an appointment to complete one.

If you need to make improvements, once they are finished, you can get a new EPC which is a great selling point for future home buyers and may make green mortgage rates more accessible.

Benefits of Having an Energy-Efficient Home

There are various benefits to improving your home’s energy efficiency and receiving a higher EPC rating, this includes:

1. Lowers Your Monthly Bills

Improving your home’s overall energy efficiency may consist of boiler maintenance and conserving energy when possible, which can improve your financial circumstances. You will save money on overall energy bills and can qualify for better mortgage rates, lowering your mortgage payments.

2. Increasing Your Property’s Value and Lifespan

When you buy a home or property, it is generally considered an investment. Whether you intend to keep the house for a long time or utilise it as a rental, maintaining your home and making improvements is a great way to increase the property’s value and extend the lifespan of your home.

3. Keep Your Home More Comfortable

Whether summer or winter, you and your family should be comfortable in your home. Improving your home’s energy efficiency ensures you are warm in winter and cooler in summer.

4. Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Home energy includes everything from light bulbs to your heating system, ventilation and air-conditioning. Upgrading your heating system to an energy-efficient boiler and conserving energy whenever possible will help to reduce the carbon emissions your home contributes.

5. Prevent Dampness

Improving the heating system and adding insulation will significantly improve the conditions and reduce overall dampness in your home, making it more comfortable for you and your family.

6. Significantly Reduce Heat Loss From Your Home

Many houses in the Midlands and surrounding areas would benefit from being updated to make them more energy efficient. Below we will discuss various ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and the possibility of utilising the EOC4 scheme to help.>

Ways To Improve the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

Making essential repairs and upgrades to improve your home’s energy efficiency will also ensure that you stay warmer or cooler when needed. The following are various ways you can improve your EPC rating.

Installing cavity wall insulation. A significant amount of heat loss-heat is generally attributed towards being lost through the walls, and if you have cavity walls, you can invest in cavity wall insulation. However, it can lead to or exacerbate issues through condensation, damp and mould, so ensure that you are protected against any damage resulting from faulty workmanship or materials.
Installing solid wall insulation. If you have solid walls, internal walls may be an option; however, it is more expensive than cavity wall insulation. With this option, you will lose some floor space in your home, requiring significant adjustment for plug sockets, radiators and skirting boards needing to be redone. There is also a risk of dampness as with the cavity insulation.
Installing external wall insulation. This is a costly option that requires a significant amount of work including potential planning considerations; however, depending on your home, it may be the best option.>
Installing insulation in your loft. Loft insulation helps to mitigate the high level of heating loss through the roof space. Insulating your ceiling is generally less expensive and more manageable than updating your floors and effectively helps to reduce heat loss and your monthly bill.
Installing underfloor insulation. Underfloor insulation is usually more expensive and disruptive to daily life. However, it may be your best choice where your property has suspended timber floors, and some households may qualify and benefit from applying for government funding through the ECO4 scheme. You can apply today to find out if you are eligible.
Installing window and door seals to prevent draughts. Older homes may have a lot of draughts, and updating these areas can help significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. However, as this increases air-tightness, due consideration must be given to a suitable ventilation strategy to prevent condensation, damp and mould. Our team of Retrofit Coordinators and Designers take this into consideration when designing your home energy improvements.
Installing an energy-efficient boiler. Under the ECO scheme, you may qualify to receive government funding to help with the cost of replacing your broken or outdated boiler. It is an excellent time to consider upgrading to an energy-efficient boiler system to reduce your heating bills if you have a heating system. There are at least 3.5 million homes in the UK that will receive a new boiler replacement or heating system under the new scheme, and you can apply today to see if you qualify for the boiler replacement grant.

Are You Ready to Replace Your Boiler? Simply ECO Ltd Is Here for You

Whether you are a property owner, landlord or tenant wanting to reduce your current heating bills and make your home more energy efficient, Simply ECO Ltd is here to help.

Simply ECO Ltd is a Green Deal Approved Installer, and we assist people in fuel poverty to gain access to Carbon Saving and Energy Efficiency Measures. We offer excellent customer service and are one of the largest installers of boilers in the Midlands and surrounding areas.