As well as keeping you and your family warm, making your home energy efficient will save you money.
When choosing where to start:
- prioritise the building (known as fabric first)
- then upgrade the services (boilers and heating sources)
- then consider technologies that generate renewable energy
Insulation is the most important first step.
Cavity wall and loft insulation provide excellent energy efficiency at a low cost.
Triple or double glazed windows are also recommended.
If you are considering heating your home with a heat pump in the future, it is important to complete insulation and glazing works first.
If you have an old gas boiler, another good measure is to replace it with a condensing boiler. These are more efficient, especially when combined with improved controls.
From 2025, gas central heating will be phased out in all new builds.
For more information about energy efficiency improvements, see energy efficient home advice on GOV.UK. For general advice or enquiries, email us on energy@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.
Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) show how energy efficient a home is. Homes are rated from A to G with the best performing home achieving an A.
To achieve an A rating, a home must have:
- completed all home insulation measures
- extensive renewable energy technology installed or energy generated
The national average score is D. The average across Bracknell Forest is currently C. The government is pushing for all properties to be C band by 2030.
The higher your rating, the lower your fuel costs.
EPCs are a legal requirement for all new homes and for anyone buying, selling or renting a home. Certificates are valid for 10 years. Ratings can change if you make improvements to your home's energy efficiency.
All rented properties must be within band A to E. The responsibility for getting an EPC rests with the landlord and managing agent. Any properties in bands F and G should not be rented unless they hold an exemption certificate. Currently, no one has applied for an exemption certificate in Bracknell.
In the private rented sector all properties will need to meet band C by 2026.
Landlords may apply for an exemption if they can prove that an upgrade would cost more than £3,500.
To find out more, read the Guide to Energy Performance Certificates by the Energy Saving Trust.
View EPC records
The government holds a list of all EPCs which can be accessed by searching your postcode. Find your EPC on GOV.UK - find an energy certificate.
We have our own map of energy efficient households. These may be different from the government's list of EPCs that represent a specific point in time. Our map includes known property upgrades which can affect an EPC rating.
View map of energy efficient households
Home energy meters
Energy meters are wireless, portable display units that you keep inside your house.
They show you how much electricity you're using and how much it's costing you. They also give you instant feedback each time you switch an appliance on or off.
Some meters show your gas consumption too and most energy suppliers provide meters free of charge.
Contact your energy supplier to find out more or visit Smart Meters' request your smart meter page.
You can also download the free Hugo energy app to make your smart meter mobile.