This article was published on March 2, 2022
Nearly 15 million homes will have to undergo extensive modifications if the government’s plans to raise all homes to at least an EPC (energy performance certificate) rating of C by 2035 are passed, a report by Halifax states.
Many of the homes that would be impacted, should the bill be passed, are pre 1930s homes. These properties often have poorer insulation, ineffective windows, and may have listed status, meaning some options (such as double glazing) are not permitted.
It is believed that it may make it harder to sell, or the property value would be lower than before. This could mean you are forced to remain in your home until modifications are made, something which would take time and would be costly, especially if there are multiple areas of your home which need addressing before you can put your home on the market.
Our advice would be to start addressing areas of your home which will need upgrading and booking work soon to avoid rising prices.
While it is common knowledge that double glazing is an energy efficient option for your home, not many people are aware that some double glazing is better than others. Checking seals is important as they can degrade over time.
If you’re in need of replacing your windows, consider timber frames over uPVC. Wood is naturally more thermally efficient that its plastic counterparts and is better for the environment too. Better still, with proper care and maintenance, timber windows last longer than uPVC . At ERW, all of our windows are manufactured to deliver the charm and character of period windows whilst meeting the demands of 21st-century living.
Listed property? No problem! We have extensive experience of working on period properties and homes within conservation areas. For properties which cannot upgrade to double glazing, an option is secondary glazing. They can reduce heat loss by us to 65% and do not require planning permission as they are a separate unit which fits discreetly within your existing frame. Other benefits include noise reduction and increased security.
If your door is damaged, or is not performing as well as it should, it is recommended that it is replaced to maximise efficiency and ensure your home meets that all important EPC C rating. Like with windows, timber doors are naturally thermally efficient; while they may be a more costly initial outlay, their performance and durability will save you in the long run. We have a range of custom crafted timber doors which you can find here
Whilst the bill for EPC regulations has not yet been passed, it would be prudent to look at your options on how to improve your home’s efficiency to reach an EPC rating of C, meaning you will not be impacted on the changing legislation.
If you’re in need of updating your doors and/or windows and would like to talk through your options, you can get in touch with us at ERW by emailing sales@erwltd.co.uk or calling 01642 456167 and a member of our team will be happy to help.
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Workmen cleaned up any mess as they went along and left no mess what so ever at the end. They were diligent and I would certainly recommend this company and I intend on using ERW again.
Mr & Mrs H, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Whilst not the cheapest quote, the presentation and professional approach persuaded me to use ERW. Standard of work and communication to let us know when the works will be conducted were excellent. Stain glass windows are perfect match and look excellent.
Mrs W, Jesmond
Having just recently had wooden windows installed by your company, I would like to thank you for the professional and efficient service you provided. From my initial phone call to ERW through quotation and survey it all went very smoothly. I congratulate you on your work force who were all polite, punctual, reliable, tidy, helpful, considerate and very hard working. A CREDIT TO ERW! Needless to say I am delighted with my new windows and would not hesitate to recommend ERW to anyone who wants to deal with a professional family run firm.
Mrs B, Wolviston, Billingham
We are delighted with the product supplied. The leaded windows look really good and very much in character with the house and with the previous windows. The installation team have been very helpful and informative throughout and are a credit to your company. An excellent job and done exactly as per your contract program (which makes a nice change from some of the builders we have used in the past!). Thank you.
Mr & Mrs D, Stockton on Tees
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We're not able to carry out installations in your postcode area, however, we can still design and create your door, and you can liaise with a local fitter in your area to install it.
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