Landlords and property management companies in the UK are in a rush to ensure compliance with the latest government regulations on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs). The UK government is updating its policies on the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), coming into effect in 2025.
Currently, a minimum rating of ‘E’ is acceptable for rental properties. However, going forward, EPC in Essex and other counties in England and Wales will have to achieve a rating of C and above.
This step is being taken to meet the government’s net-zero objective by 2050. However, this means landlords and property owners need to ensure compliance immediately.
If you are a landlord who is worried about how to make the jump from an E rating to a C rating during your next EPC evaluation, then this blog is for you. Read on to understand how you can make your property more energy efficient!
What are EPC Ratings?
EPC ratings were first used in 2007 to assign an energy efficiency rating to a specific property. EPC ratings range from A to G, with A being the best rating, meaning the property is highly energy-efficient. Homes that receive G ratings are low on energy efficiency.
There are multiple reasons why ensuring property energy efficiency is essential for landlords and property owners. Here is looking at a few:
- Energy efficiency reduces your electricity bills.
- If your property complies with energy efficiency best practices, your carbon footprint will be reduced, both personally and as a nation.
- An energy-efficient property will yield better rental income and will also increase the property’s ROI (return on investment) in the long term.
- By making your property energy efficient, you will contribute towards the nation’s energy security.
UK homes are much older than their European counterparts, which is why it will cost property owners significantly more to upgrade their homes to meet new EPC standards.
Let’s look at the steps that need to be taken to ensure property energy efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Property Energy-Efficient
Step 1: Get an Energy Assessment Done
The very first step is to get an assessment done to understand where you currently stand. Look for a certified assessor who can conduct the evaluation. If your property is already leased to a tenant- give them prior notice before bringing the assessor over.
Step 2: Formalise a Budget
Once you have the EPC ratings, consider the changes that need to be implemented. If you are required to spend more than £3,500 on the upgrades, you can consider applying for government grants.
If your EPC rating is low, it will likely come with recommendations that need to be implemented. We will give you a sneak peek into the recommended suggestions and their associated.
| Recommended Suggestion | Approximate Cost |
| Room-in-roof insulation | £1500-£2700 |
| Internal/external wall insulation | £4000-£14,000 |
| Solid floor insulation | £4000-£6000 |
| Hot water cylinder insulation | £15-£30 |
| Draught proofing | £80-£120 |
| Low energy lighting | £20 |
| Dual immersion cylinders | £1200-£1800 |
| Solar water heating | £4000-£6000 |
| Double-glazed windows | £3300-£6500 |
| Solar water heating | £4000-£600 |
| Solar photovoltaic panels | £5000-£8000 |
Step 3: Work on Your Insulation
Often the best way to improve your property’s energy efficiency is by checking your doors and windows for cracks. If you have automatic doors installed in your home, you can ask an automatic door maintenance provider to come in and ensure the doors are aligned correctly. This will prevent the heat from escaping your home.
If you have manual doors, then choose authorised Southco suppliers for fasteners, latches, hinges, handles and pulls. A branded and reliable company will ensure your doors and windows are properly fastened to keep your home warm during winter and cooler during the summer.
Double glazing your windows is also a great way to prevent heat loss. Additionally, you may also want to consider insulating the floors.
Step 4: Upgrade the Hot Water Cylinder
It takes about £20 to properly insulate your boiler. The insulation jacket for your hot water cylinder should be about 80 mm thick. If your existing jacket insulation has worn out, it is best to upgrade it. Wondering why? By properly insulating your boiler, you can actually save upwards of £35 annually.
Alternatively, you can also consider upgrading your old boiler. This may cost you significantly more than just replacing the jacket, but it can give you a higher ROI in the long run.
Step 5: Implement Short-term Strategies First
Many landlords avoid implementing changes and fixes to improve EPC due to the high costs. To ensure you can implement these changes without breaking the bank, start by adopting and implementing short-term strategies.
This will include:
- Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs.
- Repairing wall cracks and missing roof tiles, fixing rot and dampness, and cleaning gutters and downpipes. These measures will keep your home insulated and prevent cold draughts from entering.
- Consider adding shutters and drapes to your windows. Internal shutters and thick curtains will prevent heat loss during the winter. Meanwhile, external shutters and awnings will keep homes cool during the summer.
- You can also install heating controls in your home.
Step 6: Implement Long-term Changes
While short-term changes are easily implemented and cost-effective, it’s also essential to explore long-term changes to boost the energy efficiency of your property. These home upgrades can have a higher upfront cost but will save you big bucks in the long run.
Consider installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. These panels will help you drastically reduce carbon emissions by almost 750 kg of CO2. Financially, PV panels can reduce your electricity bills by £310 per year.
Another non-renewable energy alternative to add to your property is installing ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). These alternative heat sources should only be installed after proper consultation with experts and taking into account the initial budgetary considerations.
Step 7: Install a Smart Meter
Installing a smart meter might not directly reduce your energy consumption, but it will give you a clear understanding of how much energy you’re consuming. Your energy suppliers can provide you with smart meters. The installation of a smart metre is free of charge and takes approximately one hour.
Step 8: Get Your EPC Rating Rechecked
When you have completed most, if not all, of the suggested upgrades, ask the assessor to return and reevaluate your EPC rating. In addition to financial savings, you will be able to secure a higher rent once your EPC rating has been verified.
Summary
Across the UK, if every home implements energy-efficient measures, we can collectively reduce our nation’s carbon footprint. The impact of global warming and climate change is evident everywhere: unprecedented floods, weather changes, and droughts. Our homes often contribute a great deal towards environmental pollution, thus, it becomes important to adopt changes that not only keep us healthy but contributes towards the planets wellbeing.
