Why your EPC rating is more important than you think (especially when starting out)

You’ve just bought a property. Exciting, right? Your head is full of plans: painting, decorating, maybe fitting a new kitchen. But then you spot your EPC rating. Whether it’s fine or needs some work, it's smart to give it some thought.

Apply for your EPC

What exactly is an EPC rating?

This is the number on your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). The lower the number, the less energy you need to heat (or cool) your home, and the lower your energy bills will be.

Since 2019, the EPC+ (the new version of the EPC) gives you a rating from A+ (perfect) to F (very poor), allowing you to see how your home scores at a glance. It also includes an overview of the areas where your home is losing energy and which improvements would have the biggest impact.

The EPC is therefore more than just a mandatory document: it’s a useful first step on the journey to making your home more energy efficient.

Why improve your rating?

Regardless of whether your home’s EPC rating is already quite good or needs some work, it’s always worth making improvements:

1. Your energy costs go down

A home with a poor rating often consumes twice as much energy as a well-insulated one, and that’s clear to see on your monthly energy bill.

Let’s take a closer look with an example: if the number on your EPC is 500 (E rating), you’ll easily pay 300 euros a month in heating costs. By improving that number to 200 (B rating), you can halve that amount. That means you’re easily saving over 1 000 euros a year.

Even small improvements can make a difference – for example, you could insulate your attic floor or replace single glazing. The lower your energy consumption, the more budget you’ll have left for other things.

2. Your home is more comfortable

A home with a good EPC rating feels more comfortable to live in. It’s not hard to see why:

Fewer draughts in winter
Stable temperatures throughout the year
Less damp and mould, which is healthier for you and your family

3. The value of your home increases

Buyers are paying more and more attention to the EPC rating. A property with a good rating sells faster and is worth more. That means you can sell your home at a higher price than if the buyer still had to carry out energy-efficient improvements themselves.

Even if you don’t want to sell right away, it’s a smart move to think ahead – you’re making your home future-proof and more attractive on the market.

4. You get financial support

The Flemish government has a few grants to support you if you want to make your home more energy efficient:

Mijn VerbouwPremie [My Renovation Grant]: if you improve your insulation, windows or heating
EPC-label grant: if you significantly improve your EPC rating
Reduced registration duties: if you buy a property with a good EPC rating or if you renovate it within six years

5. You can borrow more cheaply

If at least half of your renovations are for energy-efficiency purposes, you can apply for an energy loan at KBC. You borrow at an attractive rate and you don’t have to pay any origination or registration fees. What’s more, your rate is fixed so your repayments stay the same each month. It’s the difference between ‘I’ll get to it one day’ and ‘Why wait?’

Examples of eligible improvements:

6. You’re preparing for the future

A home with a good EPC rating is ready for the future. You comply with the relevant standards, lower your carbon emissions and make your home more attractive in the long term. It’s not only good for your wallet, it’s good for the environment too.

How do you improve your EPC rating?

You don't have to be an expert to improve your EPC rating – small improvements often make a big difference. What’s more, the good news is that you don't have to do it alone. KBC supports you every step of the way with assistance from our partners.

You should start by tackling the ways your home loses the most energy:

Roof insulation: without proper insulation, your home loses up to 30% of its heat. This is often the fastest and most cost-effective improvement.
Cavity wall insulation or floor insulation: this prevents heat from escaping in winter and ensures your home is kept nice and cool inside in summer.
New windows with high-efficiency glass: old windows allow a lot of heat to escape. High-efficiency glass keeps heat in and noise out.

There are also other smart technologies worth considering:

Solar panels: generate your own power and reduce your energy bills. Combine them with a home battery for extra efficiency.
Heat pump: replace your old heating oil tank or gas-fired boiler and use less energy to heat your home.
Air-conditioning with heat recovery: enjoy fresh air without losing heat and improve your EPC rating.

Curious what it all costs? KBC Mobile makes it easy to work out the cost of renovating. You can also request quotes for insulation, windows, heating, solar panels or a home battery right away.

What can KBC do for you?

You don't have to tackle the renovation process alone. KBC offers a number of handy ways to make your plans a reality:

Estimate your renovation costs and see the subsidies you may be entitled to. You can also use this estimate to apply for your home loan.
Get your quotes from a reliable contractor for insulation, windows, heating, solar panels or a home battery. It’s a straightforward way to compare and choose the ideal solution for you. KBC provides this service in partnership with ‘Impact us today’.
Join group buying schemes with iChoosr. It’s a great way for you and others to save on your gas and electricity bills.
Get an insight into your energy consumption and carbon footprint with the energy dashboard in KBC Mobile. See how energy efficient your home is and what you can do to save on your energy bills.

A good first step

You don't have to tackle everything at once. Start with the one improvement that will benefit your home the most. The sooner you begin, the sooner you’ll save on costs and the more comfortable your home will be.

Legal information

Loan type: Instalment loan. Lender: KBC Bank NV – Havenlaan 2 – 1080 Brussels – VAT BE 0462.920.226 – RLP Brussels Subject to your loan application being approved by KBC Bank NV and mutual agreement.