Fewer than 40% of English homes built before 1990 have a current EPC rating of C or above, research from epIMS reveals.
epIMS has analysed energy efficiency rating bands data from the UK government to see how current EPC ratings differ for English homes built during various periods of time, ranging from those built pre-1919 to those built post-1990.
Modern homes tend to score well when it comes to EPCs, with almost 83% of homes built post-1990 currently holding a rating of C or above.
In stark contrast, less than 39% of homes built before 1990 have so far been able to meet this grade.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
epIMS’s study of historic homes shows that the energy efficiency of homes has gradually increased over the decades.
Among homes built in England before 1919, only 20.7% have a current EPC rating of C or above; while when it comes to homes built between 1919 –1944, 28.5% have a rating of C or above.
And so the trend of steadily improving EPCs continues through homes built between 1945 –1964 (48.4%), 1965 – 1980 (49.4%), and 1981 – 1990 (59.8%), before peaking with homes built post-1990 (82.6%).
AGE NOT DECIDING FACTOR
Craig Cooper, epIMS Chief Operating Officer, says: “It may well be harder to achieve good energy efficiency with an older property, but a property’s age isn’t the deciding factor when it comes to an EPC rating.
“In fact, many modern features designed to improve energy efficiency can actually be detrimental to an EPC rating, with BIOMASS boilers being a prime example, as you’ll actually achieve a higher score with a traditional gas boiler.
“This is because the calculations behind EPC ratings aren’t based purely on the efficiency of a property, they are also based on the cost required to heat and power a home.
“So when it comes to making improvements, it’s important to understand just what an EPC is and how it’s calculated.
“We’re currently working with banks and private lenders to deliver a platform that calculates the most affordable way of carrying out energy efficiency improvements, so homeowners can make changes that actually make a difference regardless of the property’s age.”
