How to guides
How to guides

How energy efficient is my home

Learn more about home energy audits and how they can help you improve your energy efficiency and save money on your bills.

Customer and her friend

Of the many expenses that come with owning a home, energy costs are the ones that are often higher than they need to be.

New build homes are designed with energy saving in mind. For example, Taylor Wimpey homes have energy-efficient boilers and appliances, well insulated walls, double glazed windows, zoned heating  and energy-saving lighting all included in the build.

Energy efficient homes

Older properties on the other hand, often require work - and money - to make them more energy efficient but it can be difficult to know what improvements to make to help reduce your energy bills.

That’s where an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could help.

Our Overton Manor development

What is an Energy Performance Certificate?

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007. They show the energy usage and typical energy costs of a property and give it an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). All new builds, including every Taylor Wimpey home, come with an EPC when they’re sold so you know exactly how energy efficient your home is when you move in.

As well as telling you your home’s current rating, an EPC will also suggest how this could be improved. It will outline some recommended changes along with the costs you can expect to pay and how much each change could save you in the long term.

Manford lounge at Church View

How energy efficient are new build homes?

Typically, a new build home will achieve a rating of at least a B for energy efficiency meaning that you don’t need to worry about costly improvements to make your home more energy efficient. By comparison, older properties tend to have a lower energy efficiency rating, often resulting in higher energy bills.

Read more about what makes new build homes more energy efficient.

Why do I need an Energy Performance Certificate?

In 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) made it a legal requirement for all privately owned properties to have at least an ‘E’ rating before being sold or let. EPCs are valid for 10 years and if you are selling or renting your property, you must provide the buyer or tenant with the property’s EPC.

Even if you’re not selling your home, taking a look at its EPC can help you to assess its current energy efficiency rating and consider any improvements you could make to help reduce your bills. You can check if your home has a valid EPC here.

Wynyard at Wynyard Manor

How do I get an Energy Performance Certificate?

If you’re looking to sell your existing home and it doesn’t have an EPC, or has one that is over 10 years old, you will need an EPC. You’ll need to arrange for an accredited assessor to visit your home to provide you with one and you can use this tool to find an assessor in your local area. The cost of obtaining an EPC will vary depending on the size and location of your home.
Family using a laptop in their bedroom

What does getting an Energy Performance Certificate involve?

When you’ve found an accredited assessor, they will visit your home to carry out a home energy audit. They will consider many factors to determine the energy efficiency rating of your home, including the type of heating and lighting installed as well as the way in which your home was constructed.

After the assessment, you will receive an EPC for your home with recommended measures to improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you do decide to make any changes, it is worth considering getting an updated EPC to show your home’s updated rating, particularly if you are trying to sell.

If you don’t have the budget to make costly improvements, there are small changes you can make to reduce the amount of energy you use in the home. Read more here.

Energy efficient new build homes

Owners of a new build home could find themselves saving an average of £435 on household bills per property each year. For buyers of new houses, savings are even greater with an average of £555 saved per year compared to an older property. That’s the equivalent of £46 per month.¹
Young couple in their new kitchen
¹ https://new-homes.co.uk/why-new-is-greener/