As a private landlord, it is a legal requirement that your property must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Ratings run from A (the highest) to G (the lowest). A numerical value is also attached to the grade, this will be between 0-100. The higher the number the more efficient the property and the lower the fuel bills.
An EPC certificate outlines information about a property’s energy use, typical energy costs and recommendations on how to reduce energy consumption.
The EPC Regulations state that it is the property owner’s responsibility to supply potential buyers or tenants with a valid EPC at the outset of any transaction. The reason for the Government’s implementation of EPC laws is part of an overall plan to tackle climate change and reduce total carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
So, how can you set yourself a good chance of improving your EPC rating?
1. Roof insulation- This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve your EPC rating. Going from no insulation to 270mm can improve the rating by 10 or 15 points, whilst even a top up on existing insulation can get 2-5 points worth of improvement in many cases.
2. Lighting– You can replace existing halogen or non-Low Energy Lighting (LEL) with LEL’s, Compact Fluorescent Light’s (CFL) or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) – simple and cheap to introduce.
3. Windows - Poorly fitted or maintained windows let large amounts of heat escape. Replacing existing windows with double glazed ones will rapidly improve the energy efficiency rating. This will also lower energy bills. But double glazing will also cut down on droughts and condensation.
If double glazing is a bit out of your budget you could look into secondary glazing. This much cheaper option isn't as effective as double glazing but will help reduce energy loss.
4. Heating – Even if you have an old boiler, the introduction of modern controls such as a room thermostat, individual Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) and Boiler Programmer will have a positive bearing on the EPC results. Alternatively, replacing an old, inefficient boiler will have a significant impact on any property's EPC rating – this is a significant alteration with higher initial expense and longer payback period.
5. Wall Construction– If your property has a cavity wall construction, ensure that this is filled. This makes quite a difference to your energy rating.
6. Documentation -If you have already had insulation installed, or if you think there may be insulation from a previous occupier, but there is no access to the space, then you should try to get documentation to show this to the EPC assessor. Sometimes this can make as much difference as actually installing an improvement. The same goes for windows installations and other improvements.
Are you a landlord that needs an EPC?
Simply call us! We will organise it for you and arrange for the Energy Assessor to visit your property, it couldn’t be simpler!
