As we move into a time when greater emphasis is placed on making ‘green’ choices, Hose Rhodes Dickson looks at what features in a home can boost its energy performance rating. At a time when energy costs are rising, choosing a more energy-efficient home can make a huge difference to your outgoings…

EPCs (Energy Performance Certificate) ratings range from A (the most efficient) through to G (least). The government have said that they hope to help all households to be achieving a rate of at least C by 2035. Here are our top tips for boosting your home’s rating and switching to a more sustainable future:

Double Glazing – it’s simple but effective. Updating your double glazing, or replacing single glazing will make a difference to both your bills and the noise levels in your home.

Insulation – loft insulation can make a big impact (heat rises so we lose a lot of our heat through our roof). Choose insulation that is at least 270mm thick.

Service or replace your boiler. Maintaining your boiler is important, and if it is old and inefficient, consider a new one.

Solar Panels. Many new builds include them as standard now, and the designs have come on leaps and bounds – you can now get sunken ones that nobody would notice. Often with solar panels, they help towards the direct cost of your energy bills.

Fit a smart meter – see how much energy you are really using each day and work out where you can cut down. Do you really need to switch on the dishwasher when it’s not quite full? Can you turn the TV off rather than leave it on standby? Little changes can soon add up.