How Landlords Can Improve Their EPC Ratings and Meet 2030 Compliance Standards

The Electronic Property Information Mapping Service (epIMS) has revealed a surprising statistic: approximately 95% of landlords are unaware of their property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. With mounting pressure to meet energy efficiency standards, landlords must take action to improve their EPC scores. By 2030, properties will need to achieve a minimum EPC rating of C to comply with government regulations. So, what can landlords do to identify their current EPC ratings and make targeted improvements?

What Are SAP Points?

SAP points are calculated using a standardized methodology that assesses a property’s energy performance. Factors influencing the SAP score include:

1. Building Materials: The thermal efficiency of walls, roofs, and floors.
2. Insulation Levels: How well the property retains heat.
3. Heating Systems: The type and efficiency of boilers or other heating mechanisms.
4. Renewable Energy Sources: Use of solar panels, wind turbines, etc.
5. Lighting: The proportion of low-energy lighting in the property.
6. Ventilation and Windows: Double glazing, draught-proofing, and ventilation systems.

Numerical Scale Behind EPC Ratings

Each letter grade corresponds to a specific range of SAP points, which quantify the energy efficiency of a property:

• 92-100 points (Rating A): Exceptional energy efficiency. Properties with this rating are typically new builds with advanced insulation, renewable energy systems, and state-of-the-art heating.
• 81-91 points (Rating B): Very energy efficient. These properties have modern heating systems, high-quality insulation, and low energy consumption.
• 69-80 points (Rating C): Moderately efficient. Many well-maintained properties fall into this range, particularly those with some modern upgrades but lacking renewable energy systems.
• 55-68 points (Rating D): Below-average efficiency. Older properties with outdated heating systems and minimal insulation often fall into this category.

Quick Wins: Easy Ways to Improve EPC Ratings

For landlords whose properties are on the verge of moving up an EPC rating band, implementing small, cost-effective changes can have a significant impact. These “quick wins” require minimal investment and effort but can add valuable points to the property’s SAP score, pushing it into a higher EPC category. This is particularly important for landlords looking to meet the minimum C rating requirement by 2030 without undertaking expensive or time-consuming renovations.

1. Hot Water Cylinder Insulation: +1.7 SAP Points

What It Is:
Hot water cylinders are commonly used in properties for water heating and storage. Insulating these cylinders with a jacket or foam insulation prevents heat loss, improving energy efficiency.

Cost:

• Insulation jackets are affordable, typically costing around £15-£30.

Benefits:

• Reduces energy loss by up to 75%, leading to lower heating bills for tenants.
• Simple DIY installation.

Example:
If a property’s SAP score is 68 (D rating), adding a hot water cylinder jacket could bring it to 69, upgrading the rating to C.

2. Hot Water Cylinder Thermostat: +2.4 SAP Points

What It Is:
A thermostat installed on a hot water cylinder allows precise control of water temperature, reducing unnecessary heating. The recommended temperature is 60°C, which is energy-efficient and safe.

Cost:

• Thermostats cost around £20-£50.

Benefits:

• Prevents overheating and unnecessary energy consumption.
• Provides better control over water heating schedules.

Example:
A landlord with a property scoring 67 SAP points could add both a thermostat and cylinder insulation, gaining 4.1 points and moving to a C rating.

3. Low-Energy Lighting Installation: +1.1 SAP Points

What It Is:
Replacing traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) significantly reduces electricity consumption.

Cost:

• LED bulbs cost around £2-£5 each and last much longer than traditional bulbs.

Benefits:

• Reduces electricity usage by up to 75% compared to traditional lighting.
• Provides immediate improvement to energy efficiency with minimal effort.

Example:
If a property has 10 halogen bulbs, replacing them with LED alternatives could add 1.1 SAP points while cutting electricity bills for tenants.

Additional Quick Wins to Boost EPC Ratings

Beyond these core improvements, there are several other small-scale upgrades landlords can consider:

4. Draught-Proofing Doors and Windows: +1 to +2 Points

What It Is:
Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and skirting boards to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

• Cost: Around £20-£50 for DIY kits.
• Benefits: Improves thermal efficiency, making the property warmer without additional heating.

5.Smart Thermostats: +2 to +3 Points

What It Is:
Installing smart thermostats allows tenants to control heating more efficiently, ensuring energy isn’t wasted.

• Cost: Devices like Nest or Hive cost £100-£250.
• Benefits: Optimizes heating schedules, reducing energy usage while enhancing tenant comfort.

6. Pipe Insulation: +1 Point

What It Is:
Insulating exposed hot water pipes reduces heat loss and improves water heating efficiency.

• Cost: Foam insulation sleeves cost around £1-£2 per meter.
• Benefits: A simple and inexpensive way to add points to the EPC score.

7. Secondary Glazing Film: +1 to +2 Points

What It Is:
Adding a layer of transparent film to single-glazed windows enhances insulation without the expense of full double glazing.

• Cost: Around £10-£20 per window.
• Benefits: Reduces heat loss and improves comfort, particularly in older properties.

Maximizing Quick Wins

Combining multiple small improvements can have a cumulative effect on the EPC rating. For example:

• Current SAP Score: 67 (D rating).
• Upgrades:
  • Hot water cylinder insulation (+1.7 points).
  • LED lighting (+1.1 points).
  • Draught-proofing (+2 points).

New SAP Score: 71 (C rating)—achieving compliance with minimal investment.

Focus on Points, Not Just Energy Efficiency

While it might seem logical to prioritize the most sustainable energy solutions, this approach doesn’t always yield the best results in terms of EPC scores. For example:

• A condensing gas boiler adds an average of +23 points, whereas a BIOMASS boiler, considered more eco-friendly, adds only +12 points. Switching to a BIOMASS boiler from a gas boiler could even lower your EPC rating.

For landlords aiming to achieve a higher EPC rating, understanding the specific points associated with each improvement is crucial. 

Major Energy Efficiency Upgrades

For properties requiring significant improvements, larger upgrades can provide a substantial boost to EPC ratings:

• Solar panels: +9.91 points
• Wind turbine: +6.39 points
• Double glazing: +3.3 points
• Loft insulation: +4.9 points
• Wall insulation: +7.7 points
• Room-in-roof insulation: +9.91 points

Among these options, room-in-roof insulation offers the most significant points increase, making it a worthwhile investment for landlords looking to improve their EPC ratings.

Cost of Compliance by 2030

According to epIMS, the average cost of upgrading a property to meet the minimum C rating by 2030 is approximately £8,000. However, many landlords risk overspending on inefficient upgrades due to a lack of understanding about how EPC points are calculated. Craig Cooper, Chief Operating Officer of epIMS, explains:

“The push for EPC improvements is on, and by 2030, landlords will be expected to hold a minimum C rating. Many landlords may find that they pour significant sums into their properties without seeing real improvements to their EPC score. Understanding the EPC points system is the first step to making upgrades that truly matter.”

Why EPC Ratings Matter for Landlords

Improving EPC ratings not only ensures compliance with government regulations but also offers several additional benefits:

• Attracting tenants: Energy-efficient properties are more appealing to renters.
• Reducing energy costs: Lower utility bills can make a property more marketable.
• Boosting property value: Energy-efficient homes often have higher resale values.
• Avoiding penalties: Failing to meet the 2030 requirements could result in fines or difficulty renting out properties.

Landlord Safety Certificate Services and EPC Compliance

At Landlord Certificate Checks, we specialize in helping landlords meet safety and energy efficiency standards. From Energy Performance Certificates to essential safety checks like gas safety certificates and fire risk assessments, our services ensure your property complies with all regulations. Let us assist you in navigating the path to a higher EPC rating and secure your property’s future.

Contact us today to learn more about our landlord safety certificate services and how we can support your journey to improved energy efficiency.