Case Overview - Better Your EPC Rating In 1-Year for a £1000 Cash Back

David and Emma Lewis, aged 55 and 52. Objective: Improve their property’s EPC rating to qualify for a £1,000 cashback from XYZ Mortgages. Current EPC Rating: F (on a scale from A to G). Target EPC Rating: C or better within 12 months to qualify for the cashback

Current Situation

David and Emma live in a detached, early 1900s-built home with a current EPC rating of F, indicating significant energy inefficiencies. Rising energy costs have made it difficult for them to manage expenses, and they are motivated to improve their home’s energy efficiency. Their property has poor insulation and an aging heating system.

Motivation for the Upgrade

XYZ Mortgages offers a £1,000 cashback for homeowners who achieve a significant EPC improvement within a 12-month timeframe. The ECO4 grant, aimed at supporting energy efficiency upgrades in vulnerable or low-income households, is a viable way for David and Emma to fund these improvements and qualify for the cashback incentive.

The couple’s primary motivations include:

• Reducing energy costs and enhancing comfort
• Qualifying for the XYZ Mortgage £1,000 cashback incentive
• Adding value to their home and making it more sustainable

Steps Taken for the Grant Application

• Eligibility Check for ECO4:
• David and Emma qualified due to their low EPC rating and moderate income, which meets the criteria for the ECO4 grant.
• ECO4 targets households with low energy efficiency, especially those with EPC ratings of E, F, or G.

• Initial Property Assessment:
• A registered domestic energy assessor conducted a detailed survey to pinpoint areas where energy efficiency could be improved.
• Key issues identified included outdated insulation, single-pane windows, and an old boiler.

• Selection of Upgrades:
• External Wall and Loft Insulation: Improving wall and loft insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Window Replacement: Installing double-glazed windows throughout the property.
• Heating System Replacement: Upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler and considering solar panels for additional energy savings.

• Funding through ECO4:
• ECO4 covers the full cost of these upgrades, enabling David and Emma to make substantial improvements with no upfront expenses.



• Expected Outcomes
• Projected EPC Rating: The improvements are projected to raise the EPC rating from F to at least C, meeting XYZ Mortgage requirements for the £1,000 cashback.
• Energy Cost Reduction: Estimated to reduce annual energy bills by up to 40%, alleviating financial strain and improving their monthly budget.
• Increased Property Value: The upgrades will enhance the property’s value and appeal, positioning it as a more sustainable and energy-efficient home.

Follow-up and Potential Challenges

• EPC Re-assessment:
• Once the upgrades are complete, David and Emma will schedule a re-assessment to confirm the new EPC rating.
• They aim to complete all improvements and obtain the reassessment within the 12-month period required by XYZ Mortgages for the cashback incentive.
• Potential Challenges:
• Timing: Ensuring that contractors complete the work within the grant period to allow time for the re-assessment.
• Maintenance and Performance: Keeping up with regular maintenance of the new systems to sustain energy efficiency and savings.

Conclusion

This case highlights how a couple can leverage the ECO4 scheme to fund essential home upgrades and qualify for a mortgage cashback incentive. By significantly improving their EPC rating, David and Emma are not only reducing their energy costs but are also on track to receive a £1,000 cashback reward. This case exemplifies the benefits of combining government-backed grants and lender incentives to promote energy-efficient home improvements.