EPC Rating Improvement for Landlords in 2023

UK rental properties must have EPC. This shows the property’s energy use, typical energy expenditures, and ways to cut them. Your property’s energy efficiency is rated A–G by an EPC.

This article will discuss EPC ratings, how to improve them, and landlord questions. Read our advice on EPC assessments for rental properties.

Why boost EPC?

There are several reasons to increase your rental property’s EPC rating. First and foremost, you cannot rent your property without an E rating.

Better EPC ratings can help you comply with the law, attract eco-conscious tenants, and boost your property’s value. You’ll also be better prepared for the government’s proposed minimum EPC rating of C for new rental home tenancies in 2025 and all leases in 2028.

Eight EPC rating boosts:

Energy efficiency upgrades will boost your rental property’s EPC rating. Eight methods:

 Install LED lamps.

Insulate walls and roof

Buy double- or triple-glazed windows.

Upgrade boiler

Install floor heating

Install smart meters.

Fund green energy.

Contact your energy provider.

Before you try to raise your property’s EPC rating, consider whether a whole-house retrofit, which addresses insulation, windows, and heating systems, is more cost-effective than a succession of smaller changes.

Install LED lamps:

Switching to energy-efficient and eco-friendly LED light chrome hearts bulbs could boost your EPC rating by one or two levels if it’s close. LEDs are a simple method to save energy.

LEDs’ efficiency and long-term energy savings have made them popular. They can also boost your rental property’s EPC quickly and cheaply.

Insulate roof and walls:

If your property has poor insulation, installing new insulation is one of the most effective energy-efficiency upgrades you can undertake. It’s also cheaper than other EPC-boosting modifications, making it a popular choice for landlords.

Uninsulated homes lose up to 33% of their heat through the roof. Insulating the loft to at least 270mm thick will reduce heat loss.

Wall insulation also boosts energy efficiency. Both cavity walls (found in modern homes having a space between two layers of brick) and solid walls (found in pre-1920 homes) are affected by this.

Wall insulation costs vary greatly. In a semi-detached house, cavity wall insulation costs £370–£500. It’s straightforward, affordable, and could boost your EPC rating.

However, both interior and external solid wall insulation is more expensive. However, heating bill savings are greater. It costs £8,000–£22,000 for external solid wall insulation and £3,500–£14,500 for interior. Therefore, this guide’s alternate measures may be better.

Buy double- or triple-glazed windows:

If you neglect your windows, investing in new heating and insulation technologies is pointless. Double glazing reduces heat loss through windows but doesn’t boost EPC ratings as much as wall or loft insulation.

Most newer homes feature double-glazing. Older properties may fall below the minimum energy efficiency rating. New double glazing might boost your home’s EPC by five to 10 points. A typical terraced house costs £2,000–£5,000.

Triple glazing is dramatic but growing in popularity. This measure may reduce heat loss more than double glazing. It’s more expensive than double glazing and only slightly improves your EPC rating.

Upgrade boiler:

Energy efficiency starts with heating. An efficient boiler boosts a property’s EPC, whereas an inefficient one lowers it. Switching to a condensing boiler might boost your EPC by 40 points, depending on its age.

This adjustment could get you to the 39-point minimum EPC rating in one go. Given its vast improvement potential, it may cost between £1,000 and £3,000.

This improvement and smart heating technology like clever thermostats and connected radiator controls will save tenants money and boost your rating.

Install floor heating:

If your home is well-insulated, underfloor heating can boost your EPC. If your home conserves heat, underfloor heating systems use less electricity.

Underfloor heating, alone or in combination with central heating or radiators, can make your home more energy efficient. Water underfloor heating systems, unlike electric ones, are cheaper to run but harder to install.

Underfloor heating costs vary on the system, installation area, and property age. It costs £50–£200 per square metre.

Install smart meters:

Installing a smart meter doesn’t increase your EPC rating, but it gives you more energy usage data.

Smart meters help you identify changes. They also measure how well these adjustments improve your property’s energy efficiency. A smart meter will help you improve your EPC rating.

Smart meters also provide tenants more energy control, which could save you money over time. Read our smart meters guide.

Fund green energy:

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels or ground-source heat pumps can increase your property’s EPC rating over time.

Government subsidies like the Green Deal might help you manage the initial costs of these changes. Renewable energy can also reduce your property’s energy use, saving you money.

Contact your energy provider:

If your renters get Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Universal Credit, or other benefits, the Energy Company Obligation may assist you make energy-saving modifications to your property. Insulation and boiler repairs may be covered.

To apply, you and your tenants must have an energy efficiency of E, F, or G. Government websites explain the Energy Company Obligation.

Post Author: idle blogs

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