Given the current situation with energy costs rising to worrying levels, it is the perfect time to review your properties and make improvements where possible before costs rise even further. Here are some basic tips for landlords and property owners on how to improve the energy rating of your rentals.
But before we get started, some of you may be wondering how this affects you as a landlord when for the vast majority of the time you will not be liable for those bills. However, from a landlord’s perspective, it is in your best interest to always provide the most efficient homes possible to your potential tenants, as quality tenants will certainly have energy ratings in mind when choosing a home. This will only become more important given the current energy situation.
Have Your Property Assessed
If you haven’t already had your property assessed, you can do so by contacting an independent registered assessor. You can find your local BER assessor through the SEAI National Register of BER Assessors. Once you have your BER Rating you will be able to determine how much or how little work is needed to improve.
LED Bulbs and Other Efficient Lighting Tech
Energy-efficient lighting is the fastest way to cut your energy bills. Making the switch to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LEDs can save money and make you feel good about doing your bit for the environment. They use much less energy and cost a lot less in the long run. Over the past few years, the price of LEDs has come down quite a bit, making them more affordable and newer technology helps them last longer, saving you money as you don’t need to replace them as often either.
If you don’t already have them installed, then consider using dimmer switches and timers to dim the lights or turn them completely off when not in use.
Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances such as cookers, dishwashers, boilers, washing machines and dryers will noticeably reduce your rental property’s power consumption. Newer appliances are for the most part significantly more energy-efficient than their older counterparts. If you are going to provide these appliances for your tenants then it is worth investing in up to date technology.
Stop Any Draughts
One simple but often overlooked method of increasing your energy efficiency is by making sure you have dealt with any draughts that may be leaking heat from your home. Common spots to check over include windows & doors, chimneys, floorboards & skirting boards, attic doors, around plumbing and any cracks in the walls. Seek out and seal any gaps that may be letting the heat escape or the cold air in and you will notice a dramatic improvement.
The Boiler
Given Ireland’s temperate climate, the boiler in Irish homes accounts for a large portion of energy costs. Therefore having the most efficient and well-serviced boiler within your budget just makes sense. Boilers on average need replacing every 10-15 years. If your boiler is older than or approaching this timeframe, then you should strongly consider replacing it if possible.
Energy-Efficient Windows
Windows are not cheap as we all know, but the savings they can produce cannot be underestimated. Modern UPVC windows do a fantastic job of retaining heat while also providing proper ventilation. Remember point 4 here however, as there is no sense forking out a small fortune to replace windows throughout the property if you are losing heat to any unsealed cracks or gaps.
Attic Space Insulation
As it often is, out of sight out of mind, the attic space can easily be forgotten about, especially over a long period. But ageing or dated insulation in your attic space could be leaking a tremendous amount of your home’s heating every year. Having this upgraded or replaced entirely will save you many times the cost over the lifetime of a property.
Smart Devices & Solar Energy
The future of energy must lie in renewables as the current crisis only goes to emphasise. Utilising what green technology we have available to us now can see amazing results. Smart devices such as thermostats and lighting controls enable much more efficient management of energy usage throughout the home. Solar energy is also becoming cheaper every year and can provide clean energy 365 days a year, saving you a lot throughout their lifespan.
Hire A Property Management Company
If all of this seems like a lot to handle then remember that a quality property management company like KPM Group can provide a full range of services including maintenance and energy-efficiency best practices.
Contact us today and a member of staff will be happy to help in any way we can.
