Atom unveils Retrofit Explorer tool to empower homeowners

Atom research has discovered that over half of UK homeowners are in the dark about their property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. That’s right, despite having the potential to slash energy bills and boost property value if improved, many homeowners are missing out on these benefits.

But don’t worry, Atom is here to help! We’ve just launched the Retrofit Explorer tool to help you navigate the world of EPCs and retrofitting.

Retrofitting — the process of updating a building with new features or technology to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability — can boost property values by an average of 12%. This means you could benefit not only from lower energy bills, but also long-term increases in property value.

Why should you care about your EPC rating?

Your EPC rating can indicate how energy efficient your home is. A higher rating could mean lower energy bills and a more valuable property.

Atom’s data reveals that over half (53%) of homeowners are unaware of their home’s EPC rating, and three-fifths (62%) admitted to having a low or no understanding of the system. Despite this, the majority (68%) of homeowners still think improving EPC ratings are a worthwhile investment, recognising the potential to save on their energy bills and improve the value of their property.

An EPC states how energy efficient a property is, and you must have one when you’re selling, renting or building a property. The certification is valid for 10 years and contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs, as well as steps to improve a property’s energy efficiency and save money.

Lower rated buildings are less energy efficient, leading to higher heating demand, increased energy usage, and elevated costs. The majority of homes in the UK are rated EPC D, with annual energy bills averaging £2,471, £723 more per year compared to EPC C-rated homes.

But retrofitting is expensive, right?

That’s a common misconception! Our research found that most homeowners believe retrofitting their home would cost them over £25,000. The truth is, you can make significant improvements for much less. In fact, moving from an EPC D to a C could cost as little as £1,500, while saving you hundreds of pounds a year on energy bills. You can find out more about the benefits of retrofitting in our handy guide here.

Atom’s Retrofit Explorer: Your Personal Guide to Energy Efficiency

Our innovative tool provides you with a personalised plan to improve your EPC rating, tailored to your budget. It even suggests local tradespeople to carry out the work.

While 29 million British homes need retrofitting by 2050, homeowners can often struggle to find clear information about their EPC rating and improvement options. This lack of accessible information often leads to an assumption of high costs, hindering retrofitting efforts. Atom’s research shows that a large number (44%) of homeowners would be more likely to retrofit their home if provided with a tailored plan and supplier suggestions, highlighting the need for better resources and guidance, such as those provided by the tool and on Atom’s Improve Your EPC Rating hub.

Edward Twiddy, Director of ESG at Atom bank

“Millions of homeowners could benefit from retrofitting their home, yet EPC ratings and the associated costs are widely misunderstood. Part of the issue is a current lack of information and guidance on how to make improvements, what costs and - as importantly - also what savings are involved.

“The launch of our new Retrofit Explorer tool makes it easy for homeowners to put together a tailored plan, and in many cases investing a relatively small amount of money could save hundreds of pounds a year in energy costs whilst also boosting house values. The win-win is that saving cash and boosting the value of your house also reduces carbon emissions; wallet and planet are aligned.”

Atom bank: Committed to Sustainability

We’re not just helping homeowners — we’re also committed to reducing our own carbon footprint. Our latest carbon report shows a 12% reduction in CO2 emissions per employee. We’re on a mission to be climate positive by 2035.

Join us on the journey to a more sustainable future!