What is an energy-efficiency rating, and why does it matter?
An energy-efficiency rating measures how effectively a product, building or system uses the energy it needs to function. The rating system is intended to minimise energy consumption – with positive implications for UK homeowners and businesses in terms of cost and environmental impact.
Aiming for an A grade
Different energy-efficiency rating systems are used to measure energy use, depending on the item being assessed. For example, most white goods (fridges, washing machines, and so on) are rated from A to G, with A being the most efficient, and G being the most wasteful. Efficiency is calculated by comparing the useful output (such as heating or cooling) with the overall energy input (electricity). First introduced 20 years ago, this energy labelling system has enabled customers to make more informed choices, and encouraged white-goods manufacturers to embrace more energy-efficient technologies.
Homes and commercial premises can also be rated on their energy efficiency. For example, a well-insulated building with efficient heating, cooling, and lighting systems will receive a high efficiency rating. Finding out how your building is performing is simple – businesses and homeowners can apply for an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Buildings are assessed for energy efficiency by qualified EPC inspectors, and the appropriate certificate issued. Again, the rating runs from A to G, and at present the national average is around a C. To earn an A rating, a building would need to demonstrate compliance with net-zero standards – something most UK homeowners and commercial businesses will struggle to achieve.
Why energy-efficiency ratings matter for UK homeowners
Hopefully your home is equipped with energy-efficient white goods – or maybe you’re replacing your old energy-hungry units with new energy-efficient ones as they wear out. These replacements will reduce your carbon footprint and your energy bills, so well done you!
But there is a bigger picture. An EPC assessment of your home or business premises will give you a snapshot of where you are now, and indicate the steps you might take to improve your energy efficiency. Improving your EPC rating will reduce both your energy costs and your environmental impact.
If your home is given a C rating, find out what you would have to do to raise that to a B (and save yourself money in the long run). If your energy-efficiency rating is on the lower end of the scale, the chances are that you can make some simple changes to save energy – and money.
There’s an even bigger financial reason to aim for the best possible EPC. A good EPC rating will make a home or rental property more attractive to potential buyers or renters, who can be confident that they will not be facing large energy bills every month. Studies by those professionally involved in home sales and purchases confirm this, and go on to indicate that energy-efficient homes also attract notably higher sale prices than homes with lower EPC ratings.
Energy-efficiency ratings in business
Energy-efficiency ratings also make a difference in commercial settings. Making changes to achieve a high rating will reduce ongoing costs and improve sustainability. Evaluating and optimising energy also ensures that a business meets current (and hopefully future) regulatory requirements – an important consideration for the push to Net Zero.
Buildings account for a significant proportion of energy consumption in businesses, particularly in sectors like retail, pubs, hotels, and offices, with customers and employees constantly moving in and out. Whatever the sector, energy-efficiency ratings for commercial buildings can be improved through better design, technologies and materials.
In industrial and commercial operations, energy-hungry equipment and machinery also has a significant negative impact – on costs, and on the environment. As with homeowners, businesses can make considerable savings by investing in new equipment with high energy-efficiency ratings.
For homeowners and businesses: how to improve your energy-efficiency rating
- Carry out an energy audit. Identify how you’re using energy currently, and where it is being wasted.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.
- Add insulation to walls, roofs, floors and windows.
- Fit windows with double or triple glazing.
- Install smart thermostats and timers to power up your home or office when it’s occupied, and reduce energy use when it isn’t.
- Upgrade from traditional incandescent lightbulbs to LED lighting – they use up to 80 per cent less energy.
- Install renewable energy systems: photovoltaic solar panels (solar PVs), wind turbines, heat pumps, etc.
- Educate your employees. Encourage your workforce to make behavioural changes – switching computers off when they leave for the day, putting on an extra layer rather than cranking up the heating, and so on.
- When in doubt, automate! Used effectively, technology can be invaluable. Well-deployed tech will do the thinking – turning appliances on and off according to usage or temperature, closing doors, lowering or raising blinds, and so on – so you don’t have to.
We’re here to help
To find out more about energy efficiency in general, and the steps you can take to improve yours, talk to us. We’re always happy to offer advice, and to carry out assessments in your home or business. We’ll arrange a convenient date and time to carry out your EPC assessment, keep disruption to a minimum, and leave you with the necessary documentation – along with recommendations for improving your home or business energy-efficiency rating.
To discuss your needs or request a visit, call us today on 01508 488007 or email enquiries@excelelectrical.co.uk
Excel Electrical: the power is in your hands.
