5 Energy Efficiency Improvements Landlords Should Be Making

Legislation across the country is getting stricter, with some areas not allowing homes with an EPC rating below an E to be rented out until improvements are made and the score is increased. This score looks at overall energy efficiency, including insulation, heating, lighting, renewable energy, ventilation and the overall construction of the property. 

Estate agents should be actively encouraging landlords to make these improvements, particularly when the property is vacant to help them potentially increase their rental yield. 

Plus, with a strong EPC rating, your property will be more appealing to potential renters as they will know that the cost of energy when they live there will be lower, so you can actually increase your rental yield, too. 

So, let’s find out a few of the ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your property, whether you want to invest in your property or not spend much at all, to benefit yourself in the future as well as improve the quality of life of your tenants. 

1. Improving Insulation

The first thing you should do to improve the energy efficiency of your property is to improve the insulation. Insulation is known to help prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering the home, and when you have good quality insulation installed, your rating will go up. 

Exterior wall and loft insulation are two of the most popular, however, if you also have a conservatory, then getting conservatory insulation is definitely advised, as they are known for being very energy inefficient without it. This is an investment but one that is worth it, as you can add up to 15 points onto your EPC score, so it could be enough to increase a whole band. 

2. Ensure Boiler Meets Requirements

One of the most important considerations when it comes to energy efficiency and your EPC rating is the boiler. If it’s old, it can really drag your score down, and if you invest in a new, energy efficient boiler, it can increase your score by up to 40 points, which could increase your rating by two whole bands! 

We understand that boilers and the installation are expensive, but this is a fantastic investment for your rental property. Plus, if you know that your boiler is getting towards the end of its life, having it replaced before tenants move in will prevent the hassle of trying to get it sorted when the tenants are there and potentially leaving them without hot water. 

A boiler may still work after 10 years, but that isn’t always a reason just to keep it for the sake of it if it’s bad for the environment and also energy inefficient. 

3. Draught Proofing

Draught proofing is a really cheap and effective method of helping to improve the energy efficiency of your property. By resealing your windows and doors, and buying a draught excluder, it may only add a few points onto your score, however will make a real difference to how warm certain spaces in your property feel for your tenant. 

Whilst focusing on the EPC rating is important from a business perspective, you also want to make sure that your property is comfortable for your tenants as it will make them want to stay longer and improve their quality of life, so this is one that is just a good thing to do as a landlord! 

4. Install Double or Triple Glazing

Another more significant investment, but one that is transformative, would be to replace your windows and doors with double or triple glazed options. 

Adding triple glazing can improve the energy efficiency of a property by double! It will also add around 10 points onto the rating, so although it’s not as impressive as the boiler in terms of the score, if you have the money to invest, this is a good place to do it. 

Better windows and doors can also help to reduce issues with damp, condensation and mould, which of course are big issues when it comes to rental properties, or any property at all. Quality of life as a whole is improved, as the space feels warmer, noise is reduced, it usually makes the property safer and it also provides that all important additional insulation. 

5. Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Lastly, a simple and effective way to make your property more energy efficient is by installing energy efficient light bulbs, to add a few points onto your EPC rating. Not only do they last significantly longer than traditional bulbs, so it’s less upkeep for you as a landlord, but they also use far less electricity as they don’t produce any heat as a byproduct. They are cheap to buy, easy to install and this is a quick and simple way to save money in the long run.