Landlords will need a new EPC for EVERY new tenancy
1 year ago | 37 comments
Small minority of landlords aware of EPC points system
12:01 AM, 24th December 2024, 1 year ago
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Only 5% of landlords know about the numerical points system when it comes to EPC ratings, according to epIMS.
An EPC rating is graded alphabetically from A to G. However, a point system determines the rating.
For example, a score of 92-100 SAP points gives a rating of A, 81-91 points gives a rating of B, and 69-80 points gives a rating of C.
Push EPC rating higher
If a property is on the very edge of breaking into an improved EPC rating, there are a number of small improvements that can be made to add the required couple of points to push the overall score into a higher rating.
According to epIMS, adding a hot water cylinder insulation adds an average of +1.7 points; a hot water cylinder thermostat adds +2.4 points; and installing low energy lighting adds an average of +1.1 points to a property’s EPC rating.
Research by epIMS suggests that the most eco-friendly heating options may not always score the highest in terms of EPC points.
For example, a standard condensing gas boiler adds an average of +23 points, while a BIOMASS boiler only adds +12 points.
Vast majority remain unaware that an EPC rating is based on a points system
Chief operating officer of epIMS, Craig Cooper, says it’s important for landlords to understand the EPC points system.
He said: “Whilst the estimated cost of achieving a C rating comes in at around £8,000, many landlords may find that they pour a far greater amount of money into their property without seeing any real improvement to their EPC score.
“That’s because the vast majority remain unaware that an EPC rating is based on a points system and understanding this is the first step to making home improvements that will actually make a difference when it comes to improving an EPC score.
“Of course, this knowledge is only useful if you know what score your property currently holds and exactly how many points you’re going to get from each particular efficiency upgrade available.”
Room in roof insulation can add to your EPC score
epIMS says there are several other ways to improve a property’s EPC rating, with some methods providing more points than others.
Solar panels, for example, can add an average of +9.91 points to a property’s score, while a wind turbine can contribute +6.39 points. Improved insulation is another effective option. While double glazing is a common choice, it can be expensive and only adds an average of +3.3 points to the EPC score.
Bigger jobs, such as loft insulation (+4.9 points) and wall insulation (+7.7 points), can offer more substantial benefits. However, room-in-roof insulation stands out as the most effective measure, adding a significant +9.91 points to the EPC score.
Tags:
biomass boiler, condensing gas boiler EPC, energy efficiency, EPC points system, EPC rating breakdown, EPC Rating Improvement, EPC ratings, EPC upgrades, hot water cylinder insulation EPC, landlord EPC awareness, low energy lighting EPC, SAP points EPC
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Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 10
7:43 PM, 24th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Michael Nicol at 24/12/2024 – 18:26
You need to enable messaging in your profile and then drop me a message
Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 761
8:08 PM, 24th December 2024, About 1 year ago
The EPC industry is desperate to keep the algorithm secret to prevent challenges to the virtually random figures. A local medieval listed pub locally got a c rating without insulated walls or even double glazing – no way was that accurate!
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 9
12:49 AM, 25th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 24/12/2024 – 20:08The full calculation specifications for SAP and RdSAP are available online to download.
A pub is a commercial premises so are calculated using SBEM which is a carbon-based methodology as opposed to the cost-based performance indicator used for domestic dwellings.
Member Since June 2020 - Comments: 19
4:00 PM, 25th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Will a current C rating still be valid when it expires, or can it be downgraded if future changes to the epic come in?
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 10
4:40 PM, 25th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by clarkydaz at 25/12/2024 – 16:00
It all depends on how strong a C it is, and the works you’ve done to achieve a C, if you’re just on the cusp it could potentially drop based on the assessors knowledge and experience. If you’ve done wall insulation of sorts and/or solar you’ll probably be future proofed. There are so many factors…
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 1
10:50 PM, 26th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by BW at 24/12/2024 – 16:58
Hi
I could really do with a bit of advice on getting my place we are doing up to improve the EPC.
Every time you ask assessors the best way to actually improve the place sensibly you get a blank stare ..lol
Tried to send a message but doesn’t seem to send
If you have a spare moment be grateful if you can send a message
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 10
9:17 AM, 27th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Hi,
You’re welcome to contact me on [email protected] if the messaging system isn’t working on here.
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 10
9:18 AM, 27th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Saul Smart at 24/12/2024 – 19:07
Hi,
You’re welcome to contact me on [email protected] if the messaging system isn’t working on here.
Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 12
9:35 AM, 28th December 2024, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by BW at 24/12/2024 – 16:58
I would be very interested in discussing with you how to go from E to C! My assessor wouldn’t help me!
Member Since December 2024 - Comments: 2
1:18 PM, 28th December 2024, About 1 year ago
I found this article very useful . I was one of the 95% who did not understand the EPC system . I will now check all our properties & hopefully be able to benefit from your advice .
Don’t understand some of other peoples negative comments that the article was not helpful . As they say “every little helps ”
Thank You