Saving energy goes hand in hand with saving money, so providing a home that helps your tenants save cash will give your property greater appeal. There are a whole host of things you can do to make a property more energy efficient but what you are able to achieve will depend on your budget. Here are some suggestions from UK Energy Saving, ranging from the relatively expensive to the cost-next-to-nothing.
Upgrade windows and doors
Installing double glazing is a good investment. Potential tenants will realise the benefits of double glazing: fewer draughts, warmer rooms.
Replacing all single-glazed windows with even B-rated glass could save your tenants around £170 per year on your energy bills. UPVC double glazing requires less upkeep than wooden frames, making this the ideal choice in terms of maintenance for landlords
and tenants.
Seal cracks
If you already have double glazed windows, there may still be the potential to improve. Make sure all doors and windows can be closed, locked and sealed properly to prevent draughts – this also has security benefits, which may improve your landlords insurance premiums. If you can feel draughts around your windows, install heavy blinds or curtains to make the room warmer. Or for a couple of pounds you can purchase insulating strips to seal tiny gaps that let in the cold.
Energy monitors and smart meters
To encourage your tenants to watch their energy efficiency, consider an energy monitor. This allows them to see how much electricity they're using. By 2020 the government plans for all homes to have a
smart meter linked direct to the electricity supplier. This will allow you to monitor your energy usage and reduce the need for meter readings.
You and your tenants can get a head start by using an energy monitor (not linked to the supplier) which displays how much electricity you're using and when.
For more advice visit
UK Energy Saving.
Installing double glazing is a good investment. Potential tenants will realise the benefits of double glazing: fewer draughts, warmer rooms.
Replacing all single-glazed windows with even B-rated glass could save your tenants around £170 per year on your energy bills. UPVC double glazing requires less upkeep than wooden frames, making this the ideal choice in terms of maintenance for landlords and tenants.
Seal cracks
If you already have double glazed windows, there may still be the potential to improve. Make sure all doors and windows can be closed, locked and sealed properly to prevent draughts – this also has security benefits, which may improve your landlords insurance premiums. If you can feel draughts around your windows, install heavy blinds or curtains to make the room warmer. Or for a couple of pounds you can purchase insulating strips to seal tiny gaps that let in the cold.
Energy monitors and smart meters
To encourage your tenants to watch their energy efficiency, consider an energy monitor. This allows them to see how much electricity they're using. By 2020 the government plans for all homes to have a smart meter linked direct to the electricity supplier. This will allow you to monitor your energy usage and reduce the need for meter readings.
You and your tenants can get a head start by using an energy monitor (not linked to the supplier) which displays how much electricity you're using and when.
For more advice visit UK Energy Saving.
