Over half of UK homes not energy efficient

Lots of us are thinking about the day-to-day changes we can make to be greener, particularly at home.

Energy prices have fallen in recent months, but household bills are still much higher than before the big surge in wholesale energy costs, back in 2022. How much households spend on energy is directly linked to its energy efficiency score, also known as an EPC rating. The higher the rating, the lower your bills will be, as less energy is needed for things like keeping it warm, and hot water.

Rightmove’s recent study found that at least 18 million homes – which is over half the UK’s housing stock – have EPC ratings of D or below, with D being the most common rating in the UK currently. Plus, and perhaps most importantly, the difference between average annual bills for the highest rated homes (A) and the lowest rated homes (G), amounts to thousands of pounds on average.

Rightmove’s energy bill tracker compares how average energy bills differ by EPC rating, and property type. Take a look at how average energy bills differ by energy rating for a three-bedroom house below.

So, what can be done to improve a home’s EPC rating?

Energy Performance Certificates are valid for 10 years, and you’ll find details of the improvements or changes that could be made to improve a home’s rating.

This might include things like switching out a gas boiler for an electric-powered heat pump, improving insulation to prevent heat escaping, or even low-cost changes like replacing old halogen light bulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives.

Should you want further advice regarding your Energy Rating, then please do not hesitate to contact us at Signature Sales and Lettings.

All information collected from Rightmove June 24.