With the cost-of-living crisis in full swing, more and more landlords are looking to improve their property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and create while adding value.
What is an EPC Rating and How is it Calculated?
Each rental home is given an ECP rating which tells you and potential tenants how energy efficient your home is. The ratings range from A (very efficient) to G (very inefficient). The rating also provides advice on improving your home’s efficiency.
The rating is calculated by assessing how well energy is used in your home and traces potential heat loss sources. You can get an EPC certificate from the government website.
Why should Landlords aim to Improve Property EPC ratings?
Tenants are making energy efficiency and eco-friendly properties an increasing priority in their searches as they look for properties that will keep bills to a minimum. Landlords that provide high EPC-rated properties will be in high demand.
In addition, taking steps to improve the energy efficiency of your property adds significant value to your home, making it more marketable and profitable should you choose to sell.
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Upgrading light bulbs from traditional and halogen lightbulbs to energy-efficient LED lighting is one of the best quick wins. This relatively inexpensive project costs around £100 and can lead to savings of up to £55 per year. You can order your first energy efficient lightbulbs for under £5 in Wilko.
Insulate your House
One of the biggest causes of a low EPC rating is energy loss from the house. Up to a third of all heat loss in an uninsulated home occurs through external walls. Cavity wall insulation could save between £285 and £390 per year.
Meanwhile, underfloor insulation could save you an average of £75 per year, while insulating your loft to at least 270mm of insulation will add another £25 of savings on your energy bills.
Make your house eco-friendly. Support local businesses and reserve expert insulation services here.
Insulate your Hot Water Tank
Keeping your hot water tank insulated reduces the energy required to maintain the temperature. A good hot water cylinder jacket with a thickness of at least 80mm should cost no more than £17, and fitting is a simple exercise.
Upgrading your insulation from 25mm to 80mm could save you up to £35 per year. You can get hot water cylinder jackets for under £17 on Screwfix.
Install Double Glazing
Replacing single-glazed windows with PVC double-glazed windows can provide significant annual savings. Costs depend on the materials and style of double-glazing chosen; however, installing A-rated double-glazed windows could save you up to £150 per year on energy costs.
Get a free quote for double-glazed windows from a nationally recognized brand that is local to you.
Replace your Old Boiler
Many older boilers are very inefficient, with large levels of heat loss. Replacing an aging boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler and thermostatic radiator valves will cost around £4,000.
This investment will pay off over time as up to £200 per year can be saved on energy bills. Get in touch with boiler replacement specialists in St. Albans and start saving now.
Use a Smart Meter
Many newer homes have smart electricity meters as standard. However, installing a smart meter in an older home is an excellent way of making your home more energy efficient.
It monitors your energy use and provides you with an estimated cost of energy used each day. This will help you reduce unnecessary energy usage and bring bills down.
While some energy suppliers might offer you a smart meter, sometimes you just want to order one yourself. Here is a list of Top 10 smart meters in UK.
Install Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Solar panels are one of the best ways of improving your home’s EPC, cutting energy bills, and significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 750kg per year.
Although a large up-front investment of around £6,500, savings could reach about £500 per year, meaning that the panels will have paid for themselves in 13 years.
Nonetheless, the costs of Solar Power in St. Albans can be reduced. The City Council has launched a group-buying scheme - ‘Solar Together”. Join hundreds of homeowners and get your Solar Panels cheaper.
Thinking of moving to St. Albans?
If you’re thinking of moving to St. Albans, get in touch with our expert team today. We have over 30 years of experience helping buyers and renters find the perfect property in the area. Browse our available properties here or give us a call at (01727) 836561 today.
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