How to improve your rental property’s EPC rating
If you’re a landlord you’ll understand how confusing it can be with all the new laws and legislation coming into the rental property market. The latest in a whole host of rules and regulations is the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Since April 2018 landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic properties must ensure that their rental properties reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants. Existing tenancies are allowed to run until 1st April 2020 before the property is upgraded.
The EPC is here to help you understand how energy efficient your property is, to help reduce bills, whilst also reducing carbon emissions.
The first step is to obtain an EPC through a registered domestic energy assessor to conduct a review of your property. If your property is lower than a rating of E, we recommend that you take our below steps to improve your rental property’s EPC rating.
Internal Wall Insulation
Wall insulation doesn’t just make a house warmer it’s also the best way to make a home more energy efficient. A house loses the most heat through its walls, typically around 30 to 40 % without internal wall insulation. If your property has cavity walls insulating them can improve the rating by 5-10 points. If your walls are solid it might be a bigger and more expensive job but it can raise your points by 10-20 or more.
Loft Insulation
As we all know heat rises, so if you don’t have roof insulation in your loft you’re letting all of the heat escape through the roof. Installing loft insulation makes it harder for the hot air to escape, which means you won’t be wasting energy on your heating bills. Making it an easy and cost-effective way to improve your EPC. Loft insulation is where the loft floor would be insulated using soft rolls of mineral wool.
Room in Roof Insulation
If there is an extra room in your rental property’s loft, you’ll require room in roof insulation. This is where the sloping roof surfaces will be insulated using sheet insulation to keep cold air out and warm air in which will then be covered by plasterboard for an even finish. It works in the same way as loft insulation but allows for space for the extra room.
Central Heating System
Replacing an old boiler can have a huge impact on the cost of your property’s energy bills hence improving your EPC. Although it is a significant cost at first it will save you money in the long run. If your property has an oil boiler with a rating of G you could save up to £350 per year by upgrading to an A-rated energy efficient boiler.
Solar Panel Energy
Installing solar panel energy in your home is a significant task but one that will reap the rewards. It can improve your rental property’s EPC rating by two bands. This can add value to your home, as your property will be extremely energy efficient. Solar panels absorb light and energy from the sun, which in turn creates an electrical charge which is passed down into your property. Plus they don’t need direct sunlight to work, so you’ll be sure you’ll still have electricity on those many overcast days we see in Britain.
Here at the ECO Providers, we provide 100% free loft insulation, room in roof insulation, and oil boiler grants through the Energy Companies Obligation government scheme. Get in touch with us today to see if you’re eligible for any of these grants and start improving your EPC rating.