Affordable works to optimise the PEB (energy performance of buildings) rating of your property

Improving the energy performance in properties is a major challenge of our times. It protects the environment and can also help you make substantial savings on your energy bills. As an expert in property management since 1875, OP guides you through the list of affordable works that are beneficial both to ordinary property owners and experienced investors. Here we explore some practical solutions for increasing the Energy Performance rating of your property, combining profitability with environmental responsibility.

Insulation, the foundation of good energy performance

Thermal insulation is key to maintaining a constant indoor temperature and reducing dependence on heating and air conditioning systems, so it’s a good idea to start with an in-depth assessment of the existing insulation, paying particular attention to the walls, roof and ceilings. Using modern insulation materials, such as rock wool or insulating panels, can considerably boost the energy efficiency of your property.

Windows and doors

Windows and doors play a crucial role in maintaining the thermal integrity of a building, protecting it from the cold, wind and even from heat. Following analysis and recommendation from a specialist, opt for double-glazed windows, fitted with a low-emission coating to reduce heat loss. In the same way, well-insulated exterior doors help to minimise unwelcome draughts. These relatively simple changes can have a significant impact on the Energy Performance rating of your property.

The loft

Insulating the loft plays an essential role in improving the energy performance of a building. Often forgotten about, poorly insulated lofts can be responsible for considerable heat loss. By investing in adequate insulation, you create an effective thermal barrier that limits heat transfer between the inside and outside of your house. This can significantly reduce energy use, resulting in savings on heating and air conditioning costs. Well-designed insulation also improves internal comfort, maintaining a stable temperature all year round. By understanding the crucial importance of loft insulation, you are laying the foundations of an overall strategy for optimising the PEB rating of your property and achieving a lower carbon footprint.

Upgrading the heating system

An obsolete heating system can mean over-consumption of energy. So why not think about replacing your boiler with a more modern, eco-friendly version, such as a condensing boiler? Heat pumps are also efficient options, using renewable energy to heat your property in a more eco-friendly way.

Smart thermostat

A smart thermostat plays an important role in improving the PEB rating and optimising the thermal management of a property. By automatically adjusting the temperature according to the occupants’ habits, this system results in more efficient use of the heating and air conditioning systems.

During periods of low activity or at night, the smart thermostat reduces the house’s overall energy consumption, which directly improves the building’s energy performance. The fact that you can control the thermostat remotely also means that owners can react quickly to unexpected changes, avoiding wasted energy.

Foam insulation sheaths

Installing foam insulation sheaths around the pipes is a crucial but easy way to improve the energy efficiency of a building. These sheaths provide a protective thermal barrier, reducing heat loss from pipes that pass through unheated areas. By minimising heat dispersion, this insulation helps to save energy by reducing the costs of heating water, and also prevents condensation, which can cause problems such as pipe corrosion.

By maintaining a constant temperature in the pipes, they also ensure that the hot water reaches the use points at the right temperature, reducing any waste of hot water. Finally, these sheaths offer good protection against frost in regions with harsh winter temperatures, preventing potential damage. By adopting this simple but effective measure, owners can optimise the energy performance of their heating system while protecting their pipes in a proactive way.

Reflective aluminium panels

Just as pipe insulation, the use of reflective aluminium panels for radiators is a clever complementary approach for maximising the energy efficiency of a domestic heating system. When placed behind the radiators, these reflective panels act as thermal barriers, sending the heat towards the centre of the room instead of it being absorbed by the external walls. Consequently, the room temperature stays more constant, reducing the need for frequent heating. This ingenious method improves thermal comfort and also helps to make energy savings by optimising distribution of the heat produced.

LED lighting

A simple but effective transition to LED light bulbs can deliver substantial benefits in terms of energy efficiency. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer. Changing your lighting is a profitable way to improve the PEB rating of your building and easy to install.

Trust the experts!

By implementing these suggestions, you’re on the right track to making your property an example of energy efficiency. Although simple in appearance, these solutions have a long-lasting impact on the energy performance of your property, helping to protect the environment and deliver long-term savings.

For professional management of your rental property, don’t hesitate to call on the expertise of OP, your trusted partner since 1875.

Our packages

–         Our Financial Management Pack (from 3% per month excl. VAT on all payments received) includes lease registration, rent collection and follow-up of unpaid rents and litigation. You can also add the optional rental placement and/or unpaid rent insurance.

–         Our Property Management Pack (from 8% per month excl. VAT on all payments received) includes all the services included in the Financial Management Pack as well as other benefits:

o   Technical management

o   Statement of tenant fees

o   Reporting to the owner

o   Property manager contract

o   Quotes and monitoring of works

o   Inventory and energy performance certificate appointments

o   Accounts payable

o   Rental follow-up

–          And our Serenity Pack (from 12.5% per month excl. VAT on the rent amount) includes all the services included in the previous two packs, as well as unpaid rent insurance and the optional rental placement service.