Forums

Forums
Sustainable Sidetra...
Government Schemes,...
The EPC Dilemma: Ho...
 
Notifications
Clear all

The EPC Dilemma: How Current Ratings Fail Heat Pumps

 
Page 2 / 2
Government Schemes, Regulations, Planning & Organisations
Last Post by Mike Patrick 4 weeks ago
16 Posts
11 Users
11 Reactions
4,286 Views
RSS
Toodles
 Toodles
(@toodles)
Famed Member Contributor
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 1898
24/09/2024 5:33 pm  

@jancold Likewise, I had ours carried out for the purposes of the BUS grant . (Notionally a B now, but certified as a C before we carried out Solar PV and ASHP.)

https://find-energy-certificate.service.gov.uk/energy-certificate/0370-2739-3170-2622-2441

I can’t help feeling that ‘Lip Service’ is the most appropriate expression. Regards, Toodles.

This post was modified 7 months ago by Toodles

Toodles, he heats his home with cold draughts and cooks his food with magnets.


   
ReplyQuote
 rodwebster
(@rodwebster)
New Member Member
Joined: 4 weeks ago
Posts: 1
19/03/2025 7:04 pm  

Hi, im not an expert on EPCs but today got a D for my 1930s detached with an ASHP. Fortunately, I installed a hybrid system which is also capable of heating the whole house by gas. So I asked the EPC guy to assume that the ASHP was derelict. I gained 10 points - high C!

I think the reason is that the heat pump is “charged” for the inefficiency of generating electricity (30%?) whereas boilers are very highly efficient. Of course, I am on Octopus, which claims to be 100% green. 

I could be wrong but I think this might be the reason heat pumps are a bad thing from an EPC point of view. 

 


   
ReplyQuote
 Judith
(@judith)
Prominent Member Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 332
20/03/2025 3:09 pm  

The government has just closed a consultation on the principles of updating the EPC. See here https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime/reforms-to-the-energy-performance-of-buildings-regime#overview-of-proposed-reforms

And will further consult on the details (as stated in the overview of above).

The are many established “sillinesses” in the EPC even it was done perfectly (rare).

Your comment on the use of primary fuel consumption is one such stupidity, since it assumes the UK electricity is generated mainly by coal and gas, which is no longer true.

One silly example is my in-laws have a wood burning stove which gives them extra points and A EPC on their 9 year old well- insulated house with a small area of solar panels. So when we had our EPC done (for ashp) our points came out as a B (see stuff below) despite being less well insulated, but they missed off our wood burning stove. So I pointed this out and they admitted their mistake but said that they would have to remove points for our wood burning stove because the rules had changed!

So eventually (after the next consultation) an ASHP will be a positive feature but the EPC is such a political (lobby-prone) tool that it barely performs as an energy performance certificate.

2kW + Growatt & 4kW +Sunnyboy PV on south-facing roof Solar thermal. 9.5kWh Givenergy battery with AC3. MVHR. Vaillant 7kW ASHP (very pleased with it) open system operating on WC


   
👍
1
ReplyQuote
 Mike Patrick
(@mike-patrick)
Honorable Member Member
Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 172
20/03/2025 7:04 pm  

I've commented earlier in this thread, finding the same problems with our EPC. Yes, its a known problem with the methodology and the government is taking far too long to address it. I'm an owner occupier but it produces another dilemma for landlords wanting to raise their EPC so that they remain legally able to let their properties.  You can improve the EPC to get to a "C" rating or you can install a heat pump. But you can't do both!

 

Mike

Grant Aerona HPID10 10kWh ASHP


   
👍
1
ReplyQuote
Page 2 / 2
Forum Jump:
  Previous Topic
Next Topic  
Topic Tags:  EPC (2) ,
Share:

Join Us!

Trusted Installers

Struggling to find a reliable heat pump installer? A poor installation can lead to inefficiencies and high running costs. We now connect homeowners with top-rated installers who deliver quality work and excellent service.

✅ Verified, trusted & experienced installers
✅ Nationwide coverage expanding
✅ Special offers available

👉 Find your installer now!

Latest Posts

x Powerful Protection for WordPress, from Shield Security
This Site Is Protected By
Shield Security →