5 Ways to Make Your Property More Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency is the hot topic of the moment. Talitha Burgess, MD of Clarity Property Management has some timely advice for landlords

Worldwide events can, and often do affect all of us. Here at Clarity, we always keep an eye on the news. Not only do new property laws directly affect our profession, and your role as a landlord of course, wider developments touch our lives, too. Not least the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 meeting, which came to an official end last week.

By the way, did you know that COP stands for Commonwealth of Peoples? We weren’t sure either, so we looked it up.

This isn’t a political piece, but it’s obvious that discussions in Glasgow have shone a light on the very real dangers posed by climate change. And, on just how fast time appears to be running out.

With your property portfolio, it makes sense to ensure that the homes you rent are as energy efficient as possible. Not only are you doing your bit for the environment in the here and now, you’re also paying it forward for future generations. Your tenants will appreciate (potentially) lower bills – yes, we’re very aware of the energy crisis, too – and your ethical stance could make your warm and comfortable properties a sure-fire bet in the fast-moving rental sector.

Rental Regulations

Where there’s a rented property, there’s a regulation – or two or three. Energy efficiency is no exception and there are certain levels that landlords are obliged to reach and maintain.

For a domestic private rented property, you must comply with the 2018 “Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency standard (EPC band E). You can read the details here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance

As you know, EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate. Having a good “score” is what we’re aiming for here.

Or, get in touch with Clarity for some jargon-free advice.

How to Become More Energy Efficient

Becoming more energy efficient offers attractive cost savings (sometimes hundreds of pounds per year) but also, without a doubt, a feasible way to preserve the world’s resources if we’re looking at the bigger picture. It’s something that we can all do. Bills are going up, and we’re looking at a possible cost-of-living crisis. Whilst Christmas isn’t cancelled (not yet anyway!), greener homes deliver a better quality of living and, if you think about it, longer-term tenants.

Good news alert: There’s also a Green Homes Grant available that helps landlords with the funding of up to two-thirds of the cost of energy-friendly home improvements. You can look forward to financial support with regard to wall and loft insulation, draught-proofing and double glazing. There’s more advice here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/quality-assurance-at-heart-of-new-2-billion-green-homes-grants

Talking of insulation:

1. Insulate Your Cavities and the Loft

Without decent quality insulation, you may as well start imagining £10 notes floating out of the roof of the property or through the cracks in the walls. Did you know that about a third of the heat moving around a home is lost through a lack of insulation? Let’s avoid that uncomfortable image by recommending that if you haven’t already done so, insulation could be your Number One project.

Why? Because it’s an outstanding way to retain heat within a building. And, it doesn’t have to be expensive either. Simply Google “insulation grants” to get the ball rolling.

2. Think About Insulated Curtains and Blinds

Well worth the investment – they’re a little more expensive to begin with – but when it comes to keeping the heat in, they’ll be hard at work keeping your tenants warm and toasty.

Don’t forget that bottoms of doors can also be foes in the war against drafts; you can buy affordable stick-on insulation to keep the chill out.

3. Fit Double Glazing

Installing secondary glazing to the windows of your property will make an immediate difference to the warmth of your tenants’ homes – as well as quite a few downwards notches in the central heating thermostat. The result? Cosy tenants and lower gas bills. Everyone wins. Rattling, draughty windows are the stuff of nightmares in the midst of winter. And you don’t want to be one of those landlords, do you?

Yes, double glazing isn’t cheap. Yes, as with cavity and loft insulation you’ll need to pay for the expertise of an experienced tradesperson to install and fit it. This is definitely a long-term investment however, and one that we highly endorse. Remember, rental yields and reliable, professional tenants often depend on the state of your property, so this is one area you definitely don’t want to neglect.

4. Install a Water-Saving Shower Head

This is an easy and affordable option that can you fix yourself – or even ask someone else to do on your behalf.
Instructions: just sally forth to your local hardware shop to find one. Showers are an easy-decision water-saving choice already, so changing the shower head to one that makes further economical use of water could save your tenants money on their water bill. And, reduce your carbon footprint.

And finally…

5. Arrange for a Smart Meter to be Installed

Your tenants will be incredibly pleased.

Why? Because with a smart meter there’s no more tiresome estimated bills as a result of forgetting to supply meter readings. Quick and easy to fit, and free of charge, your tenants will pay for the precise amount of energy they’ve used. Plus, if they’re so inclined, they’ll find it fascinating watching the meter record which appliances use the most electricity.

Hours of fun. (It’s anything with a heating element, like an iron or an electric fire, by the way.)

To be serious though, understanding which items chew through most power could help to promote more eco-friendly habits.

At the time of writing, temperatures are starting to drop, and we’ve got some long dark nights in front of us. Nobody wants to worry about bills too much, and we’re super-aware that steep energy price hikes are about to happen. So, doing your bit for the planet and for the folks in your property makes you a great landlord with some excellent green credentials.

Keep warm and stay well.

Would you like some advice on renting your property? Whether you’re a first-time landlord or an experienced portfolio owner, Clarity Property Management has the expertise you need. Contact us on 01273 253 000.

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