When improving a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, most homeowners focus on insulation, heating, and windows. However, an often overlooked factor is building orientation — the direction your property faces and how it interacts with sunlight and prevailing winds. Orientation can have a measurable impact on energy efficiency, heating costs, and your EPC score.
What Is Building Orientation?
Building orientation refers to how a property is positioned in relation to cardinal points (north, south, east, west). It influences:
Solar gain – the amount of heat a building naturally receives from the sun.
Exposure to wind and weather – affecting heat loss.
Daylight availability – reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
In EPC assessments, these factors are considered in calculating energy efficiency, particularly for heating and lighting.
How Orientation Impacts EPC Ratings
1. South-Facing Properties
Receive maximum sunlight during the day, especially in winter.
Passive solar gain can reduce heating demand.
EPC impact: Lower energy consumption, improved rating.
2. North-Facing Properties
Receive minimal direct sunlight.
Higher heating demand in colder months.
EPC impact: Slightly lower rating due to increased energy use.
3. East- or West-Facing Properties
Morning or afternoon sunlight only.
Moderate heating benefits.
EPC impact: Dependent on window placement and insulation.
Other Orientation Considerations
Window placement: Larger windows on the sunny side can increase solar gain; shading is needed in summer to prevent overheating.
Shading from trees or neighbouring buildings: Even well-oriented homes may lose potential solar gain if blocked.
Renewable heating and solar PV: Orientation affects the efficiency of solar panels, which in turn impacts EPC scores.
Tips to Maximise EPC Performance Despite Orientation
Install high-quality insulation to reduce heat loss in poorly oriented areas.
Use energy-efficient glazing and thermal curtains on north-facing windows.
Consider solar PV or solar thermal panels on south-facing roofs to boost energy performance.
Upgrade to efficient heating systems to offset orientation-related losses.
Get Accurate EPC Assessments with Urgent EPC
At Urgent EPC, we provide professional EPC surveys that account for all factors, including building orientation, insulation, heating, and renewable energy systems. Our goal is to ensure your EPC reflects your property’s true energy efficiency.
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Contact Us to schedule your EPC today.
Final Thoughts
Building orientation may seem fixed and unchangeable, but understanding its impact allows homeowners to make smart choices in insulation, glazing, heating, and renewable energy. By optimizing these elements, you can improve EPC performance, reduce energy bills, and increase property value — regardless of which way your home faces.
