Creating An Energy-Efficient Home To Attract Loyal Tenants

Research has revealed that having an energy-efficient property can help landlords attract more tenants and charge higher rent. Energy efficiency means using less energy to carry out the same task. Ultimately, it’s about eliminating energy waste and reducing costs. 

Not only are renters attracted to the financial savings associated with an energy-efficient house, but more and more people are becoming conscious of the impact our lifestyles have on the environment. 

Investing in the energy efficiency of your rental property is a great way to find the type of tenant who will be loyal and respectful of your property. 

Along with meeting your tenants’ expectations, you must consider the legal energy efficiency regulations that come with putting a property up for rent. 

Landlords can no longer let or continue to let properties in the UK if they have an EPC rating below E unless they have a valid exemption.

 

Why is energy efficiency important?

Energy efficiency is important as it protects the environment. Most light switches and electrical outlets pull their power from nearby power plants. 

Most power plants burn fossil fuels, like natural gas and coal, to create electricity. 

Fossil fuels harm the planet by releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change.

By being more energy efficient, we can help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and help protect the environment.

 

Green modifications you can make to your rental property

As the demand for environmentally friendly and energy efficient properties continues to rise among renters, there are several steps you can take to make your property greener.

1. Switch to LED lighting throughout

Did you know that LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs?

And while a conventional bulb has about 2,000 hours, standard LED light bulbs have a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours.

This is because the standard LED bulb uses only five watts of power and does the same job as a bulb that uses 40 watts. 

2. Insulate walls and ceiling 

Another way to make your rental property green is to add insulation to the wall and ceiling. 

As heat rises, up to 25% of your property’s heating can be lost through the roof. A further 35% of your home’s heat gets lost through the walls.

Insulating your attic space reduces heat loss by keeping most of your home’s heat inside. 

Reducing heat loss will reduce your energy consumption as you’ll use your heating less.

3. Install smart metres

Installing smart metres is another way to reduce the energy consumption of your rental property.

Smart metres show your tenants exactly how much energy they’re using, which allows them to monitor their energy consumption more efficiently.

Smart metres also help energy network operators gain insights into our energy consumption patterns. 

This directly helps tackle the climate emergency. Energy suppliers can become far more efficient about how much energy they produce as they understand more about when we need it.

 

Do you know the EPC grade (energy performance certificate) of your property?

A certificate that shows how energy efficient your property is is known as an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Every property is given an energy-efficient grade rating between A and G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least.

The EPC grade of your home will include estimated energy costs, along with a summary of your property’s energy performance-related features.

EPCs can help you and your tenants understand the energy performance of your property.  With this information, you can identify areas for improvement and ways to make property greener.

 

Get your EPC the Slough EPC way!

At Slough EPC, we understand that balancing your many responsibilities as a landlord takes time and effort. That’s why we’re here to help make your life as easy as possible.

Our platform makes it as simple as clicking a button to get your property certificates sorted from one place, including your EPC, gas, and electrical certifications.

From keeping a digital record of all certificates to sending renewal notices and inspection reminders, Slough EPC is your all-in-one solution for property certificate management.

Visit Slough EPC to see how it works, and order your certificates online today