If you are a homeowner in Stoke on Trent, you must know about the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirement, which applies to all commercial and residential properties of all sizes. There are only a few exemptions, of course, but apart from those, every owner must produce a valid certificate with an eligible rating if they wish to put their property on the market for rent or sale. However, it isn’t very hard to get, and once you have one with an eligible rating, it is valid for 10 years, so it’s not a very big hassle of repeated inspections. But in case your rating isn’t up to the mark, then there’s a problem. Let’s get into the details of EPC requirement.
EPC in Stoke on Trent
It is important to know that EPC in Stoke on Trent isn’t just to show you have completed the formality of getting your property evaluated for energy performance. There’s a lot more to it that matters, such as rating, which must be within the eligible range, which currently in UK is set on ‘E’, but to be on safe side, it is best to be closer to B or C. It is also important to be aware of the impact of an EPC rating on a property’s value and market appeal. Lastly, why EPC is important is that surveyors not only tag your property with a rating, but also provide a detailed account of areas for improvement, which can be very useful for owners.
Want to Improve Your EPC Rating?
With some changes, your EPC rating can improve, turning into a strong selling point, and giving tenants and buyers one more reason to choose your property in Stoke on Trent’s competitive property market. Which property-owner won’t wish that? If you own a property and want to improve your EPC rating and don’t know where to start, here’s a detailed guide created by our experienced EPC assessors.
Install Energy-Efficient LEDs
One quick and effective replacement is to install energy-efficient lighting in your house or commercial property, if it hasn’t already been done. Swapping old high-energy-consuming bulbs with LEDs can reduce energy bills and improve overall efficiency. What’s best is that this doesn’t require a high budget, much time or any construction or structural work.
Install Draught Proofing
In our experience, those little gaps around windows, doors, and floorboards are the main reason why cold air seeps in, and warm air escapes. These small, apparently unnoticeable leaks can cause significant heat loss, burdening your heating system to work even harder and using more energy. So, in order to prevent energy loss, one effective way is to pay attention to these hidden nooks and crannies that are impacting the thermal efficiency of your home.
Add Floor Insulations
As EPC assessors, we have noticed that most property owners are unaware of the amount of heat that uninsulated floors can surprisingly lose. Therefore, if you are aiming to improve the EPC rating of your property, it is best to upgrade floors to insulated ones to prevent them from losing heat and improve your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Invest in Wall Insulations
Another thing that you should remember before applying for EPC in Stoke on Trent is wall insulation. Walls also lose a significant amount of heat, so if your home or commercial property has cavity or solid walls, adding insulation can greatly improve thermal performance. Insulation can help walls trap heat inside and keep your space warm for a longer period, reducing heating bills and improving EPC rating.
Upgrade Loft Insulations
Just like floor and wall, loft insulation also plays a significant role in stabilising room temperature. Upgrading loft insulation to the recommended depth helps you improve your property with an additional thermal barrier, reducing the load of the heating system, and further multiplying energy efficiency.
Swap to Double/ Triple Glazed Windows
If your house is already appropriately insulated, but you still want to improve efficiency for your EPC in Stoke on Trent, then swapping your single-glazed windows for double or triple-glazed ones might be a good option. It can also make a huge difference in retaining heat and noticeably improving the EPC grade.
Invest in Renewable Installations
Renewable installations are a major investment, but these systems, such as solar panels, heat pumps, solar thermal systems, or solar battery storage, can lower energy bills. These installations can be a great step towards improving the grade on EPC and reducing carbon footprint, contributing to an eco-friendly environment.
If you still don’t know what works for you and what doesn’t, it is best to have an EPC assessment by experienced surveyors and follow their recommendations for practical improvements. These suggestions serve as a useful guide for your next steps toward making your property more energy efficient and future-proof. Moreover, investing in these upgrades now is wise, as EPC standards are expected to become even stricter in the years to come.
Choose EPC Yorkshire for Accredited & Qualified Assessors!
Don’t know where to look for reliable assessment services for EPC in Stoke on Trent? Choose EPC Yorkshire, and our team will handle the energy evaluation of your property with utmost professionalism and transparency. We are not only accredited but also experienced in performing assessments of residential, commercial and all types and sizes of properties. Book an appointment today!