To the untrained eye, Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and electric heating do not traditionally go well together. Gas systems come out on top when it comes to EPC, as the ratings in electric heating systems have always been low. However, this is solely due to gas costing less per unit, compared to electricity.
If you want to improve an EPC rating, there is more to it than gas being the only effective choice. Let’s look a bit closer at EPC and its misunderstood relationship with electric heating.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a report assessing a property’s energy efficiency. It considers the insulation, lighting, heating and hot water to give an energy efficiency rating as well as an environmental impact rating. The rating goes from A-G, with F and G being the least efficient ratings, declaring not fit for purpose.
An EPC lasts for 10 years. It can be attached to property listings for sale or searched for by address on an EPC register.
A benefit of the EPC is that it shows not just the current rating, but the potential rating by recommending ways to improve efficiency and save money. Most importantly, it can tell you how much your bills might cost.
How does electric heating affect EPC?
The EPC rating will be highly influenced by how you heat your home. Electric heating does not have a high EPC rating as it is seen as the least effective. But this can’t be taken at face value as there are many reasons why electric heating could be the efficient choice for your home…
- Cheap to install and have very little maintenance – With no need for a central boiler, electric heating systems require much less maintenance, as well as taking up a lot less room than gas heating systems.
- Improved control over your heating – With modern systems, a thermostat can give you complete control over timing and temperature for each room.
- Availability of your home for gas – If your home is not on the gas grid, electric radiators could be the ideal solution.
- Quick to reach optimum temp – Electric radiators can take only 10 minutes to heat a room, making them highly energy efficient. That’s because 100% of their energy goes to heating.
- Low-carbon form of heating and using renewable electricity – Wind and solar power are connected to the grid, meaning electric heating will continue to become more eco-friendly as time goes on. The increase in renewable electricity could also become a game-changer for EPC ratings, which are likely to improve for electric heating once more electricity is sourced from renewables.
A great choice for your electric heating needs in Somerset
While it’s easy to be misled by EPC, electric radiators are efficient, safe, stylish, and space-saving, making them the perfect solution to your heating needs. If you would like to discuss your requirements with an expert, Grants Electrical can help.
To find out more or request a quote, call or email Grants Electrical today.