Get your energy-efficient house in order with Safe2

Energy efficiency is a hot topic at the moment.

With the Government launching a consultation on the way EPCs are calculated – and with another on energy efficiency standards in the pipeline, we know that the rental homes of the future will need to reach much higher standards with the Government proposing a minimum C rating by 2030.

Last week marked Energy Savers Week, a national awareness campaign dedicated to helping people save money and energy by making their homes more efficient.

It’s a no-brainer. Energy-efficient properties aren’t just beneficial for tenants, they make good business sense for landlords too – and not just those who bundle in bills with rent. Improved energy efficiency can improve property value and lower maintenance costs over time, so what’s not to love?

Of course, it is not always a simple process, with some homes – typically older properties – more challenging when it comes to making improvements and increasing EPC ratings, something we will be raising with the Government in our official response to both consultations.

However, there are some easy changes you can make to ensure your rental property is more energy efficient; and advice you can share with tenants to help keep bills down and homes warm.

Top tips for energy efficiency

• Insulation: A home that is well insulated keeps heat in and energy low, so ensure your property is properly insulated. This should include at least a foot of insulation in the loft, cavity wall insulation or (where there is no wall cavity) external wall insulation and floor insulation, especially where you have floorboards over joists.
• Install an energy efficient boiler: An example could be a combi boiler. If this isn’t possible be sure to insulate your existing tank.
• Install double – or triple – glazing: This will reduce heat-loss, condensation and – as an additional benefit – will also reduce noise.
• Check your white goods: When items need replacing ensure you choose energy efficient ones with a A+++ rating.
• Use low energy lightbulbs: LED alternatives last longer and consume less energy
• Install reflective radiator panels: These mirrored panels reflect heat back into room
• Check radiators: Make sure to bleed them if they are not heating properly 
• Put in thermal curtains: One of the simplest ways that tenants can save energy is to fit correctly adjusted and thermal curtains which can cut heat loss by up to 10 per cent.
• Draught-proofing windows and doors: Using draught excluders, or draught excluder tape could save around £60 a year on energy bills and draught-proofing open chimneys when not in use which could save around £90 a year.
• Put in carpets: Hard floors look great and are often more hard-wearing, but they do mean more heat is lost through the floor.
• Think about furniture: Try to avoid placing furniture like chairs and sofas in front of radiators

More information

• From securing your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and gas and electricity safety checks, to drain inspections and smoke detector testing, Safe2 ensures a seamless, efficient and compliant service from start to finish. We provide all safety certificates including Fire safety, Electrical safety & Gas Safety. We can also undertake any remedial work with a FREE re-test. Explore our services and make your home more energy efficient today by clicking here.
• The Citizens’ Advice Bureau has added its voice to NRLA calls for extra funding for landlords when it comes to making energy efficiency improvements. You can read more about this here.
• When it comes to accessing funding to carry out energy improvements the NRLA has a guide for members, which can be found here.
• The NRLA’s award-winning Training Academy also runs a retrofitting course for landlords. The course ‘Comfortable Home, Smart Savings: A Landlord’s Guide to Retrofit offers practical advice on how to lower fuel bills, and tackle damp and mould as well as offering an in-depth look at systems for insulation, heating, ventilation, and renewables. To book click here.