How energy efficient is your home? Do you know? It is a question many of us only really think about when the energy bill lands.
For many households across Lancaster, energy costs are still one of the biggest pressures on the monthly budget. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Freehold, a stone-built home in Scotforth, a family semi in Bowerham, or a newer property on the edge of the city, the home itself has a huge bearing on what you pay to heat it.
Why your EPC rating matters
This is where your EPC rating comes in.
An EPC, or Energy Performance Certificate, gives your home a rating from A to G. A is the most energy efficient, while G is the least. It looks at insulation, heating, windows, lighting and how much energy the property is likely to use.
The difference between homes can be quite surprising.
New build homeowners spend around £420 less on energy each year than those living in older properties rated EPC D. That makes new builds roughly 27% cheaper to run.
Compare them with the least efficient homes, those rated EPC F or G, and the gap widens to around £618 a year, or 39%.
That is a lot of money, especially when household budgets are already stretched.
Lancaster has a real mix of homes
Of course, Lancaster has a wonderful mix of homes. We have period terraces, stone cottages, bay-fronted houses, 1930s semis, apartments and modern developments. It is one of the reasons our local housing market is so interesting.
But it also means energy efficiency varies greatly from one property to the next.
Nearly all new builds now carry an EPC rating of A or B. In contrast, fewer than 5% of older properties reach the same standard.
That does not mean older homes are a problem. Many older homes in Lancaster are full of character, space and features buyers love. But it does mean they may need a little extra attention when it comes to running costs.
Small changes can make a big difference
The good news is that some of the quickest improvements can also be the simplest.
Loft insulation can save up to £390 a year. Cavity wall insulation can save up to £420. Both can sometimes move your EPC rating up by a band, making your home cheaper to run and potentially more appealing to future buyers.
Buyers are looking more closely
Buyers are becoming more aware of running costs. A few years ago, many people glanced at the EPC and moved on. Now, with energy bills higher, they are looking more closely.
They want to understand how warm a home feels, how efficient it is, and whether any improvements may be needed after they move in.
So, how efficient is your home?
Do you know your EPC rating? Have you checked what improvements are recommended?
At JDG, we spend a lot of time looking at what matters to Lancaster buyers. Price, presentation and promotion are always important, but energy efficiency is becoming part of the conversation too.
If you are thinking of selling, it is worth understanding where your home stands. Sometimes, small improvements can make a home feel more cared for, more comfortable and more appealing.
And in today’s market, that can make all the difference. If you are thinking of moving in Lancaster or Morecambe, please get in touch. You can email me at james@jdg.co.uk or call us on 01524 843322
Thanks for reading
James