Best way to improve EPC rating

[littlespark]

I’ve had plenty confirmation from the customer that the only thing the epc surveyors will accept is high retention storage heaters.

For this particular property, where there has been no storage heaters before, I’m going to have to run radials to each position, a new db and the customer to organise changing tariff with an off peak.


I’ve never been convinced on the running costs of new electric radiators against storage heaters…. But if that’s what the customer wants….

 

[davesparks]

Coukd they improve insulation, fit secondary glazing etc as a means of improving the EPC?

Have they already gone over to fully LED lighting?

What is the fuel source for the back boiler?

 

[brianmoooore]

I’ve had plenty confirmation from the customer that the only thing the epc surveyors will accept is high retention storage heaters.

For this particular property, where there has been no storage heaters before, I’m going to have to run radials to each position, a new db and the customer to organise changing tariff with an off peak.


I’ve never been convinced on the running costs of new electric radiators against storage heaters…. But if that’s what the customer wants….

Just stick the things in place for the EPC inspector (plucked from the dole queue a couple of days before) to see. Don't bother to wire them up, because the tenant will never be able to afford to run them in a poorly insulated house.
Money would be far better spent keeping the existing heat in with improved insulation.

 

[littlespark]

Coukd they improve insulation, fit secondary glazing etc as a means of improving the EPC?

Have they already gone over to fully LED lighting?

What is the fuel source for the back boiler?

he says he's already insulated the attic, and was thinking of secondary glazing..

I'll have to check the lighting situation, and i believe it would be wood or coal for the back boiler..... but not sure if hes keeping that.


Im wondering if the same EPC system is in place for an AirBNB type holiday let?
He could just furnish it and rent it out for weekends

 

[Avo Mk8]

This may have been done already, but the owner of the cottage should check whether any of the MEES exemptions would help them. The current position is described on the Government website (and lots of other sites!)

Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance

Guidance for landlords of domestic private rented property on how to comply with the 2018 ‘Minimum Level of Energy Efficiency’ standard (EPC band E).

www.gov.uk

As I understand it, at the moment, there's a cost cap of £3k5, that means if you haven't reached a satisfactory EPC figure by the time you've spent that, you don't have to spend any more, and can apply for an exemption. You can include money already spent on energy efficiency improvements since October 2017 in that £3k5.
Of course if no such money has been spent in the last 5 years, and the recommendations from the EPC will achieve better than F without costing £3k5, then ignore the above and fit electric heaters!

There is speculation about the government setting a higher bar (eg an EPC of 'C') in the future, but many suspect this not actually going to happen.

 

[littlespark]

That’s interesting, avo…. But I’ll have to have a see if there’s a Scottish equivalent.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Im wondering if the same EPC system is in place for an AirBNB type holiday let?
He could just furnish it and rent it out for weekends

This might be a way ahead. The MEES regulations currently do not apply to holiday lets.
Edit: this is in England! sorry!
It's slightly complicated - if the situation meets the requirements of a holiday let, let for at least 20 weeks a year (HMRC requirement to qualify), landlord pays for energy, property fully furnished etc etc

That’s interesting, avo…. But I’ll have to have a see if there’s a Scottish equivalent.

Yes sorry - missed that point!

I also didn't know until this evening that EPC figures are worked out in slightly different ways for England and Scotland, so the same property might end up with different EPC ratings depending on which country it's in!

 

[mattg4321]

Fitting PV usually gives a good improvement to EPC score