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Within letting, restrictions on a property’s safety must be complied with, to ensure that the property is safe for both tenants to live in, and for landlords to rent out. In 2018, EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) requirements changed, with landlords ensuring a minimum safety rating of ‘E’, and if this requirement is not met, then the property cannot be let. By 2028, this minimum requirement is set to increase further, with EPC regulations becoming a necessity for landlords. In this blog, we will run you through how to prepare for these changes, and maintain an energy-efficient property, which meets these EPC requirements, and is safe to let.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate gives detailed information about your property’s energy efficiency, as well as your carbon dioxide emissions. An energy assessor will look at your property, and carry out an energy assessment survey, to determine which level of efficiency the property achieves. Some of these things include:
· Windows
· Roofs, Walls and Insulation
· Boilers and Heating Systems
· Renewable Energy Devices
· The Building Measurements
· The year the property was built
· Fireplaces
· Lighting
How to prepare for these changes
While the best way to start preparing for these changes would be to hire an energy accessor for an up to date EPC rating and a more detailed report, there are some things that come as standard that could be looked into before an assessment. To help, we have put together a short list of things you can start to think about to improve your property’s energy efficiency. Bear in mind, work needed will depend per property and some properties may require more work then others.
Wall insulation: Insulation is a key factor in achieving the minimum required EPC rating, and it is an extremely easy way of keeping your property energy efficient. Insulation of walls is a relatively low-cost method of heating, as well as insulation of lofts. An uninsulated building typically loses 33% of its heating through the roof, so loft insulation is important in maintaining heat within your property.
Window upgrades: Upgrading windows to double or triple glazed also preserves heat within the property and is another cost-efficient way of maintaining EPC requirements.
Lighting: A simple way of reducing energy within a property is by changing the light bulbs to LED bulbs. These are far more efficient and eco-friendlier, and last much longer than typical halogen bulbs.
Investing in renewable energy: Renewable energy is a much eco-friendlier and energy-efficient alternative that can increase your EPC rating. Some of these renewable energy instalments may include solar panels, or ground source heat pumps.
If you have any questions about how to improve your property’s energy efficiency, or EPC rating, get in touch with us today.