DOMESTIC EPC's
Concrete information about how EPC ratings are calculated is hard to come by online. This is partly because EPC ratings have to be conducted by a qualified assessor and partly because the calculation is created by entering data into a bespoke piece of software. Though the exact formula is a closely guarded secret, some basic information is available to help you get to grips with how properties are assessed and what aspects are included in the assessment.
These may include...
INSULATE YOUR LOFT
Around half the heat lost in a typical home escapes through the walls and the roof. Insulating your loft is simple to do yourself or you can ask a professional installer if you prefer. Even if you already have loft insulation, check its thickness: adding another layer to bring it up to the recommended 270-300mm will save both energy and money being wasted.
FILL CAVITY WALLS
You could save up to £115 on your energy bills each year by insulating your wall cavities. The job only takes a couple of hours for a typical family home and can be done from the outside. There are offers available in the way of grant to help pay for the work to be done by a trade registered installer. Click Here for more information
INCREASE HOT WATER INSULATION
Fitting your hot water tank with an insulating jacket will only cost a few pounds and, with all the heat it traps, it pays for itself within six months. Fit one that's at least 80mm (3 inches) thick and you could save around £30 a year. If every UK household fitted an adequate tank-jacket tomorrow, it would save over £132 million of energy every year.
DODGE THE DRAUGHTS
Eliminate draughts and wasted heat by installing a cheap, easy-to-fix brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors. Letterboxes and keyholes should be covered too. Draughts also get in through gaps in floorboards and skirting boards, which allow heat to escape in winter. Stop this waste by filling these gaps with beading or sealant.
ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
An energy efficient bulb produces less CO2 and can save up to £60 in electricity over its lifetime. Energy saving bulbs work in standard fittings and lamps, and are widely available at low prices (including in supermarkets). You can buy ones that look similar to old-style bulbs and give out the same coloured light, and some are available for use with dimmer switches. Energy saving bulbs still use energy, so remember to keep them switched off when not in use. Opt for LED lighting or smart lighting.
TAKE CONTROL OF THE HEATING
You can avoid heating an empty house by using the timer so your central heating is switched off when nobody's home. If you have radiator valves, you can also turn off radiators in rooms that aren’t being used. And if you'd like to cut your heating bills by up to 10 per cent, just turn your central heating down by one degree.