With increasing awareness and concern for our individual carbon footprint, energy efficient and environmentally friendly properties are becoming very attractive to buyers, especially younger generations and first-time buyers. Therefore, energy efficient homes have the potential to increase overall sale value and speed of sale.
Making some energy saving home improvements can make a huge impact and with a bit of investment, you could have an energy efficient house on the market in no time.
Energy Performance Certificates are an essential part of buying and selling homes in the UK. An EPC rating is a review of a property’s energy efficiency. The scale runs from A to G, with A being the most efficient with the cheapest energy bills.
As a starting point, it can be useful to first know what your current EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating is. If you’re in the Epsom and Ashtead area of surrey, contact our expert property sales team for advice and support with EPC ratings and getting your property on the market.
If you already know what your EPC rating is, here are some of the best ways you can increase your home’s EPC rating.
Boiler Upgrade
The impact of your boiler on your property’s overall energy efficiency cannot be overstated – in a gas heated home, inefficient boilers can account for a massive 60% of carbon emissions and as a result can add hundreds of pounds to energy bills!
A newer, more energy efficient boiler can have a significant impact on your property’s energy consumption. If your boiler rating is at the lower end of the scale (A to G, with G being the least energy efficient), then your property will benefit greatly from an upgrade.
Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation
One of the biggest causes of energy wastage in the home is through poorly insulated roofs and walls. It is surprising just how much heat can be lost through even the smallest crack and gaps in your exterior walls and roof.
However, installing cavity wall and loft insulation comes at a hefty price, so it is important to ensure that this particular home improvement gives you the return on investment you are looking for. Take advantage of offers that you may be eligible for – some energy suppliers offer funding if you’re on certain benefits.
Fit Double Glazing
Much like how heat escapes through tiny cracks in your walls, so it is with single glaze windows. As with insulation prices, double glazing is another fairly high investment.
However, double glazing traps far more heat and if you choose ones which have the ‘Energy Saving Trust Recommended’ logo, you can be sure you are investing in only the most efficient window replacements.
Double glazing is an extremely sort after property feature so will be more appealing to the majority, therefore making it a worthwhile outlay.
Install Solar Panels
Having solar panels means your property can generate solar power that offsets your home’s reliance on the national grid.
Whilst some may find them rather unsightly, the value of having solar panels on your roof has far reaching impacts for the environment and cost savings for your property’s future owner, making them very attractive features.
And if you’re concerned about if you can generate enough with the poor UK weather, you need not worry as they work even when it is cloudy!
Costs vary depending on the space you have for panels and the amount you would like to generate.