If you’re read the news regarding the new legislation coming into force in 2012 for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and want to get your investment properties up to scratch in advance, then here are some ways in which you can improve the energy efficiency of properties you own.
All energy efficiency improvement work will require time and money, but the effort and pounds are worth it.
Insulate The Loft
According to the Energy Saving Trust, about a third of heat in a badly insulated house goes straight out through the roof. If you have loft insulation put into your property, this will help keep the heat in. What’s more, it will also help save money too. For a three bedroom semi-detached house with central heating and no previous loft insulation, this equates to a saving of about £150 on typical annual energy bills, which is sure to be good news to your tenants.
Good quality loft insulation will last for at least 40 years. On average, the cost of having a loft insulated is about £250.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
One of the cheapest and easiest ways of improving the energy efficiency of a property is to insulate the hot water pipes. Special insulating material simply needs to be securely wrapped around the exposed pipes.
This costs as little as £10 to do, so even if you do nothing else, do this!
Draught-Proof Your Property
Badly fitting doors and windows are prime culprits for letting heat out of a property. Consider putting in draught-proofing strips or draught excluders along doors or windows, so that the heat that is in the property will be retained.
The average cost of draught-proofing a three bed semi is in the region of £200.