With possible changes to letting out a house/holiday letting properties at the end of 2025 relating to its energy performance rating due to come in, or EPC as it's better known, lots of landlords are taking action now to improve the rating for their properties.
As you will no doubt be aware, an EPC rates the energy performance of an individual property from A being the best to G being the worst. Currently under UK law, any property rated F or G is not allowed to be rented or let out. They last for 10 years although they can be renewed any time the landlord requests it.
From the end of 2025, it is proposed any property from, and including, a D and below cannot be let or rented out, so it is no surprise many owners are taking measures now especially if they are in the lower letters of the alphabet.
There are however some methods that are relatively inexpensive in the grand scheme that can be taken to provide an uplift in an EPC rating. In addition, it is also vital that these improvements can be 'seen' or at the very least, evidenced for them to be considered.
The first is ensuring a property has good loft insulation. The thicker the insulation the better and you should aim for it to be at least 270 to 300mm thick. However an EPC assessor such as us at Valerien Property Services has to be able to see this loft insulation or be provided evidence of it to include it when carrying out an inspection of be provided with evidence it is present.
The next is wall insulation i.e. cavity wall or solid wall insulation. This will improve an EPC rating and can be evidenced through holes in the exterior walls showing that the property has had cavity wall insulation installed, or evidential paperwork being provided.
Floor insulation under your floorboards is a great way to give your EPC a boost, but again evidence that the insulation is there would need to be provided such as a builders note and receipt of works.
Boiler Improvements
Although more expensive, having a modern condensing boiler will also help, as older boilers generally have a poorer performance, and the output of boilers are considered when carrying out EPCs. The software we use lists all known types of boilers including their verified performance parameters (there is the odd exception for very old boilers in which case, it is inputted manually).
If you use a hot water cylinder, ensure you have a thick jacket on it. Some of ones I have seen would barely qualify for a sheet. Try to make it at least 80mm thick. These vary in cost but you can get some types for less than a night out.
Small changes like having energy efficient LED light bulbs are all considered, while if your property has single glazing, consider investing in double glazing as this will also help. Most properties these days do have double glazing but if not, it is certainly something to consider.
Whenever we carry out assessments, we take photos and consider evidence from a large variety of parameters.
Grade I and II Buildings
It is important to stress that if your property is listed, then any works that alter its character or appearance may not be permitted. For example, you would unlikely be able to drill holes in the external walls to put cavity wall insulation in if your property is listed. The best thing to do is seek advice from the local council before any works begin if you own a listed property.
There are of course other, more expensive measures such as installing solar panels or heat source pumps, installing a full thermostat and programmer system if you don't have one, these will all help further boost your rating.
If you would like or require an energy performance rating (EPC) assessment at your property, give us a call on 07368 838213 or send us a message online via the website or via WhatsApp to the number and we will be happy to help. We are accredited by Elmhurst Energy and will take care of all your needs.