What is an EPC Rating and How Does That Affect My Boiler?

If you’re a homeowner or landlord in the UK, you may be thinking about the EPC rating of your property. But what exactly are they and why are they so important?

EPC ratings can be essential in helping to minimise living costs and in attracting potential tenants. Want to know more? Keep reading!

The Link Between Your Boiler and EPC Rating

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is a measure of a property’s energy efficiency. It ranges from A, the most efficient, to G, the least efficient.

Essentially, it tells you how environmentally friendly your home is and how much it’ll cost to keep it warm and running. It is an especially important consideration in winter when energy usage is generally higher.

What Factors are Used to Calculate an EPC?

There are a lot of factors that go into calculating your EPC rating, but your boiler plays a crucial role for two main reasons. The first is that the boiler is one of the main sources of energy consumption in a household. If you have an outdated or inefficient boiler, it can drag down your property’s overall energy efficiency rating.

The second is that a home with a poor EPC rating, perhaps due to a lack of insulation or airtightness, will be harder to keep warm due to the escape of heat through walls, windows, and doors. This means the boiler may need to be turned up higher to achieve a comfortable temperature.  

What This Means for Residents

If you live in a property with a low EPC rating, you will likely have higher energy bills and a less comfortable living environment. If you own your home, you can start taking steps to change this, but if you cannot make changes due to your tenancy agreement, then you may have to put your boiler on higher (and more expensive) settings.

If you later look to sell your home, a poor EPC rating is likely to put off potential buyers, especially first-time buyers, and could significantly reduce the overall property value. This is due to the expenses involved in living there or the work it will take to increase the EPC rating.

For landlords, a poor EPC rating could make your property less attractive to potential tenants and may even impact your ability to rent it out at all, given that it will be more expensive for a tenant to live there.

Legal Requirements: What Landlords Need to Know

If you’re a landlord in the Midlands, it’s essential to understand your legal obligations when it comes to EPC ratings. In England and Wales, you’re required to provide an EPC to prospective tenants when you market your property for rent or sale. This must include details of the property’s energy performance and recommendations for improvement.

It’s also worth noting that landlords are prohibited from renting out properties with an EPC rating below an E. If your property falls below this threshold, you’ll need to make improvements before you can legally rent it out again. Being honest and transparent about your property’s EPC rating is not only a legal requirement but also helps build trust with your tenants.

Improving Your Home’s EPC Rating

So, what can you do to improve your home’s EPC rating and make sure your boiler isn’t dragging it down?

Firstly, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient boiler. Modern condensing boilers are far more efficient than older models, meaning you’ll use less energy and save money in the long run. Plus, boilers have a typical lifespan of about 15 years and tend to slowly deteriorate over time, meaning an older boiler will be naturally less efficient than a newer one.

Regular boiler maintenance is also key. Ensuring your boiler is serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer can help keep it running efficiently and extend its lifespan. Don’t forget to insulate your pipes, invest in smart heating controls, or install a BoostaBoiler unit too – these small changes can make a big difference to your home’s energy efficiency.

How to Check your EPC Rating

You can check your property’s EPC rating quickly and easily using the government’s EPC register online. Simply enter your property’s postcode and you’ll be able to view your current rating! This should also include a detailed breakdown of the rating, giving you an idea of where you could make improvements.

Future-proof Your Property with a High EPC Rating

Investing in your property’s energy efficiency not only saves you money but also makes it more attractive to tenants and potential buyers. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to reduce your energy bills or a landlord wanting to maximise your property’s rental potential, improving your EPC rating is a smart move.

Get in touch with Butco today to find out how to increase your EPC rating. Our team of experts can advise you on the best boiler options for your home and our comprehensive Boiler Care Plans can help ensure long-term efficiency for your home.

Call our team on 0333 366 1121 or send an email to info@butco.com and a member of our team will be in touch!