It will be unlawful to let residential or commercial properties with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of ‘F’ or ‘G’ (i.e. the lowest 2 grades of energy efficiency) from 1st April 2018. This means Landlords will be prohibited from letting substandard properties which could result in rent loss or fines for noncompliance.

Before an EPC is carried out there are various simple alterations you can make that would have a significant effect on the rating. 

So what can you do to increase the energy performance rating of your home?

• Replace the insulation in your loft

Making sure that your loft insulation is at least 270mm thick

• Insulate any cavity walls

If the property was built before or around 1920, it most likely has solid walls. Solid wall insulation can be installed from either the inside or the outside. If the property was built after 1920 it’s likely to have cavity walls. These have a double external wall with a small gap between which can be filled with insulation.

• Change lightbulbs

Switch old fashioned light bulbs to new energy efficient ones

• Replacing the boiler

Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a new energy efficient one will have a significant impact on any property's EPC rating.

• Double Glazing

Double glazed windows make a big difference when it comes to lowering energy bills as well as reducing condensation and noise. Instead of double glazing you could install secondary glazing which involves fitting a pane of plastic or glass inside the existing window recess to create an insulating layer of air.

• Heating controls

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.

Whilst some of these suggestions will be more expensive than others, try not to think of improving energy efficiency as something you must do to comply with regulations, instead consider it as a commercial decision too. Given most tenants are responsible for paying energy bills, some may be willing to pay more for properties that are energy efficient or simply choose your property over another one. So make sure you’re making the most of this as a selling point.

As you will no longer be able to rent out your property if the EPC rating is below E you need to start acting NOW. It is also worth noting that there is a high likelihood that the minimum energy standards will be raised in the future….. Watch this space!!

Do you need a new EPC? Contact the office for more information. 

If you aren't sure what the EPC rating is for your property the full report can be found on the Governments' EPC Register.

Sarah