Landlords can easily improve their property’s EPC rating with small changes – here’s how.
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are crucial for landlords, yet many are unaware of how their properties are scored. EPC ratings, graded from A to G, are calculated using a points system, with scores ranging from 0 to 100 SAP points.
For example, a score of 92-100 points achieves an ‘A’ rating, while a score of 69-80 points results in a ‘C’ rating.
For landlords, knowing these details is vital because it could mean their property is only one small improvement away from a better rating.
A property that holds a ‘D’ rating may be just one point away from achieving a ‘C’ rating, making minor upgrades highly impactful.
Despite the importance of EPC ratings, research by epIMS reveals that 95% of landlords are unaware of their property’s current EPC score.
This lack of knowledge makes it challenging to make targeted improvements, potentially leaving landlords missing opportunities to enhance their properties and save money in the process.
Quick and simple EPC upgrades
For landlords whose properties are close to a higher EPC rating, there are several small improvements that can significantly increase the score.
These “easy wins” are a great way to boost a property’s rating with minimal investment:
- Hot water cylinder insulation: +1.7 points
- Hot water cylinder thermostat: +2.4 points
- Low energy lighting: +1.1 points
These small changes can add just the few points needed to push a property into a higher EPC band.
While it may seem logical to focus on the most energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing a BIOMASS boiler, these changes don’t always provide the best return in terms of EPC points.
For example, while a BIOMASS boiler is eco-friendly, it only adds an average of 12 points to the EPC score, compared to a standard condensing gas boiler, which adds 23 points.
More effective upgrades for higher EPC scores
For landlords looking to make larger changes, there are several upgrades that can have a greater impact on the EPC score.
Here are some of the most effective options:
- Loft insulation: +4.9 points
- Wall insulation: +7.7 points
- Room-in-roof insulation: +9.91 points
In terms of boosting EPC scores, room-in-roof insulation is the most effective, offering the highest points increase per improvement.
Why EPC improvements matter
The UK government is pushing for all rental properties to have a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030, which will require many landlords to invest in energy efficiency improvements.
While the estimated cost to achieve a C rating is £8,000, landlords must be mindful of spending money on improvements that don’t contribute significantly to their EPC scores.
Craig Cooper, COO of epIMS, stressed the importance of understanding how the EPC points system works: “Many landlords may end up spending more than necessary on improvements without seeing real gains in their EPC scores. This is why understanding the points system and making targeted upgrades is essential.”
With the help of platforms like epIMS, landlords can now use advanced algorithms and AI to calculate how best to improve their EPC score, ensuring they make the most out of their investment while complying with future regulations.