Slowly but surely the energy efficiency ratings for any let property have grown steadily more exacting.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in the UK in October 2008 and every let property had to have one – rating the property from A (the most energy-efficient) to G (the most energy-inefficient).
With effect from the 1st of April 2018 in England and Wales, a landlord wanting to issue a new lease or tenancy agreement to incoming tenants had to make sure that their property achieved a minimum energy efficiency rating of E, explains Propertymark. In Scotland, there is also a minimum energy efficiency rating of E.
These Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) were extended to existing let properties and any renewed or continued tenancy agreement with effect from the 1st of April 2020.
Landlord Today warned that the standards are unlikely to rest there are that the limit will probably be raised further – to a minimum D rating – before very long.
Against that background, how can you improve the energy rating of your property to meet ever-increasing standards?
The principles
Energy suppliers Ovo Energy state the fundamental principle of energy efficiency as simply as possible – it is all a question of doing more with less. That means getting the same or even more by using less energy.
It gives the example of the energy-efficient light bulb which gives out the same amount of light but consumes less electricity and has much lower wasteful heat-loss than its old-style predecessor.
When it comes to changing light bulbs, therefore, make sure you use only the LED low energy lights variety – and, if your tenants are expected to change them, encourage them to do the same.
By a similar type of logic, you can explain to your tenants that they are wasting energy if they leave heating turned up in rooms they are not using. You can play your part as a responsible landlord, of course, by ensuring that the property is sufficiently well insulated – yet still adequately ventilated – that heat generated within the property stays within the property.
Heating the home
According to estimates prepared by the Energy Saving Trust, half the amount of money spent by the average household on their fuel bill goes towards paying for heating and hot water.
You might start your energy efficiency improvements, therefore, by improving the efficiency of the installed heating system:
- not all central heating boilers are equal – consider replacing your existing one with a newer and more efficient boiler;
- heating controls have become ever-more sophisticated and can ensure that you get the heat where you want it when you want it – so fit thermostat controls on all radiators, which tenants can turn off in rooms they are not using;
- while you’re giving thought to those big-item, high-investment items, continue to tackle the smaller jobs – like lagging the hot water pipes, insulating the water tank and loft space, and generally installing whatever draught-proofing measures you can find and afford; and
- to keep your central heating system and the associated pipes and radiators running smoothly and debris-free, use chemical inhibitors to keep the system clean.
Retaining the heat
Having improved the efficiency with which you’ve heated your home, the next concern is about retaining as much of that heat as possible:
- cavity-wall or solid-wall insulation, for instance, is likely to save up to a third of all the heat that is lost in an uninsulated home, says the Energy Saving Trust;
- insulating the ground floor and those above cold outside spaces, such as your garage, will also help to retain the heat;
- insulate the hot water cylinder to reduce heat loss;
- draught-proof windows and doors; and
- loft and roof insulation can help cut the further 25% or so of heat-loss your home is likely to suffer.
More energy-efficient tips
NRLA (National Residential landlords Association) also suggests some simple tips too …
- bleed all radiators several times a year;
- replace older kitchen appliances for the most energy efficient type;
- fit sensor lights both externally and in communal areas so that no lights are left on unnecessarily.
By following just a few of these energy efficiency improvement measures, you could be well on your way to having a more energy-efficient and MEES-compliant home.
