Augmenting the Property's EPC Rating - Practical Tips for Tenants and Owners

Augmenting the Property's EPC Rating - Practical Tips for Tenants and Owners

An Energy Performance Certificate is mandatory for each UK rental property. The EPC evaluates the property's energy consumption, besides providing practical guidance on mitigating energy costs by reducing energy consumption. The highest EPC rating is A, and the lowest is G. Presently, renting a property below the EPC rating E is against the law. It is the most pressing reason to improve the EPC rating of your property. Tenants can do their bit by taking proactive measures to minimize energy costs.

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Replacing traditional bulbs with LED bulbs is the quickest and most effective way to improve cost-efficiency and boost EPC to the next level. Switching to LED bulbs is cheaper and more practical than other solutions to raise the EPC rating. LED bulbs have a longer functional life than regular halogen bulbs. You can save a minimum of 112 annually by replacing ten halogen bulbs with LEDs.

Insulation to prevent heat loss

Insulation to prevent heat loss

Using a rock wool insulation material for loft insulation can save about 25 percent of heat for the entire household. It is a practical and cheaper way to achieve a better EPC score. Another option is to insulate cavities within the external walls by consulting an expert professional. Solid wall insulation is a labour-intensive process. You may consider the same if the construction is old. Insulating the hot water cylinder and pipes carrying hot water with a jacket can save energy by preventing heat loss. Replace old windows with double-glazing A-rated windows to save significant energy costs. It will help you arrest heat loss remarkably to save energy costs. The windows will also make your home warmer and quieter as these windows block outside noise effectively.

Optimize heating

Optimize heating

Heating systems contribute to over fifty percent of the total energy bill. Optimizing heating processes can significantly impact the EPC rating and reduce the energy bill. Consider installing heat pumps that transfer the outside or underground heat into the home. These are also helpful in summer to cool indoors. Consider using biomass boilers by benefitting from government grants. These are suitable for homes with sufficient space for installation and easy access to wood pellets or logs. Optimize heating controls by correctly using the thermostat. Consider investing in a full set comprising a room thermostat, programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves to boost savings. Old and inefficient boilers affect the EPC rating. Shifting to a new condensing boiler is the best option if the existing boiler is old and due for replacement. It can significantly raise the property's EPC rating while reducing energy bills.

Adopt renewable energy

Adopt renewable energy

Renewable energy sources help you mitigate the carbon footprint by reducing carbon emissions. Solar panel installation is an effective way to embrace green energy. The returns on investment are impressive in the longer run. Solar panel installation is a popular method of improving energy efficiency ratings in the UK.

The takeaway

The takeaway

Energy Performance Rating will become a critical requirement after 2025, with the growing focus on climate change and rising electricity bills. Installing a smart meter provides meaningful insights into energy consumption trends. These meters help determine the effect of changes you are implementing for a higher energy performance certificate rating. Explore help from the energy supplier if you are eligible under the Energy Company Obligation scheme. A mandatory EPC rating for rental houses underlines the need to take proactive steps by tenants and owners. A higher EPC rating is the need of the hour.