If the only time you have ever looked at your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is when you saw its “For Sale” advert, then you are not alone. Most people do not know which category their property falls into, nor what this means on a practical basis. Essentially, the closer to “A” that your property is, the more energy efficient it is considered to be, and the closer it is to “G”, the less energy efficient it is and the more it will cost you to maintain it at a comfortable temperature.
There are many ways of improving the EPC rating of a property, and one of the most effective is insulating it. A well-insulated home will cost less to run so the initial outlay on insulation will be returned through lower energy bills over the following years, making it a wise investment. Many grants are also available, allowing homeowners to have their properties insulated at no cost to them, provided that they are eligible for the grant in question. Below are our top five benefits to be gained from insulating your property.
1. Cost. Installing loft insulation and cavity wall insulation in your home will reduce up to 65% of the heat loss from the property, keeping it warmer in the winter without needing to use as much heating, and this can save hundreds of pounds a year on your energy bills. Improving the insulation around windows and doors can save up to a further 20% heat loss and floor insulation can also aid heat retention but comes at a higher installation cost, so for many, it is less desirable.
2. Health. Living in an insulated home has many health benefits. Fewer drafts and less mould in the property means a lower incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, reduced susceptibility to allergens and being warm reduces the likelihood of succumbing to colds and flu viruses.
3. Reduced carbon footprint. Carbon dioxide is the primary cause of global warming and keeping your home well insulated reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted from your home into the atmosphere as a result of using gas or other fuels for heating. Reduced use of energy is a major contributing factor, proving that home insulation can improve your environmental credentials.
4. Maintenance. A poorly insulated home is more likely to suffer from damp and condensation which can cause significant issues, not only to the health of its inhabitants, but also to the property itself. Long-standing damp issues can be very costly to address and also affect the resale value of the property.
5. More attractive to buyers. A home that is well insulated with a good energy efficiency rating, and well maintained with no signs of damp, will be a much more attractive proposition for prospective buyers who are likely to be willing to spend more on the purchase price, knowing that there is little for them to do to the property once they own it. If you have any intention of selling your home, insulating it is a small price to pay for a better price and an easier sale in the future.
It is clear to see that there are many benefits to installing home insulation but we recognise that the rapidly rising costs of energy are a concern for many who may not be able to afford the upfront costs required to insulate their home. There are grants available for many people whose properties are EPC rated “D” and below and we are happy to discuss these with homeowners, private tenants and social housing tenants who would welcome advice. We can also offer advice on other measures which can be taken in the short term to reduce heat loss from the property until such time as home insulation work can be completed.
For those people who are not eligible for a grant or do not wish to wait for any longer than they have to, work such as loft insulation can be quickly completed at a very competitive price which will deliver significant benefits, including longer term savings on your energy bills. To discuss your requirements and options, please contact us by phone, email or via the contact form on our website.
