Josh Owen of the Rinnai Technical Design looks at some possibilities coming out of the forthcoming EPC scheme.
Plans to ensure that all rented properties across the UK will have a minimum EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of C by 2030 are underway. Presently, just over 2.5 million rented properties maintain a rating in between D and G. This could offer a major business boost to the UK HVAC industry with an unprecedented commercial opportunity that could stimulate both regional and national economies.
An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) evaluates and determines the energy efficiency of a property. The key areas within a property that an EPC analyses are its heating & hot water systems, the different building fabric that makes up the walls, floors & ceiling, the efficiency of its windows, lighting & renewable technology within the building. Once a final rating in between A and G is provided to the property a list of suggestions regarding upgrades will also be presented to the landlord. The current minimum rating for a rented domicile is E. For landlords to be able to continue letting properties a minimum energy performance certificate rating of C must be obtained. Each landlord will potentially have to upgrade rented domiciles with double glazing windows, cavity wall, and loft insulation to improve the buildings fabric ‘U-Values’ and thus make the domicile more efficient. The UK government has calculated that homes that fall below the minimum C rating will have to pay in between £6,100 and £6,800.
Additionally, the new regulations could stipulate that landlords will have the frequency of EPC renewals shortened whilst HMOs (Houses of Multiple Occupancy) will require a valid EPC for the entire property once a single room is rented.
Consultants, specifiers, and installers should be aware that a substantial amount of work is required to enforce new regulations relating to a minimum EPC rating of C on rented properties by 2030.
Based on the support that the then Government set out in the consultation, it is estimated that the proposals cover around 85% of the non-domestic rented stock and will deliver up to 10.3TWh in energy savings by 2030, and 4.1MtCO2e of carbon (non-traded) over Carbon Budget 5 (2028-2032).
A large number of respondents during the consultative period highlighted that, whilst the then Government’s ambition was appropriate, there were significant implementation issues that needed addressing to enable the policy to be successful. This conclusion was supported by the Government’s pilot study, which ran from 2018-2019 and looked at how the enforcement of the PRS (Private Rented Sector) Regulations could be improved.
Rinnai UK is purposely positioned to offer a multitude of decarbonising options including heat pumps, solar hybrid systems, and electric cylinders, all of which provide high performance operation at proven lower costs.
Rinnai systems can accept a wide variety of fuel sources including natural gas, hydrogen, solar and electric. Rinnai also offers several FREE services that are designed specifically to assist customer decision, such as a “Help Me Choose” service option is available.
This service enables easier product selection through direct contact with a Rinnai professional. A customer can be contacted either via a home number, mobile or email at a time convenient.
Rinnai further provides an array of cost calculation services that will measure your current system’s output in 5-year CAPEX, OPEX and carbon emission cost comparison. Once all relevant data is collected, a Rinnai team member can suggest an appropriate cost and carbon load reducing heating and hot water system that will accompany the dimensions of your property. Rinnai can guarantee product delivery to any site within 24 hours.
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Rinnai aims to inform all UK customers on any legislative amendments that impact energy or product options. Rinnai believe that information sharing improves customer decision making skills when selecting heating and hot water systems.
