EPC upgrades offer UK contractors and installers an opportunity to boost their decarbonisation business

Plans to ensure that all rented properties will have a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) 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 evaluates and determines the energy efficiency of a property. The key areas within a property that an EPC analyses are its heating and hot water systems, the different building fabric that makes up the walls, floors and ceiling, the efficiency of its windows, lighting and renewable technology within the building. Once a rating 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 continue letting properties, a minimum EPC 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 building’s fabric ‘U-Values’ and 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.

The new regulations could also stipulate that landlords will have the frequency of EPC renewals shortened while Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) 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.

Rinnai UK can offer decarbonising options including heat pumps, solar hybrid systems, and electric cylinders, all of which provide high-performance operation at proven lower costs. Rinnai’s systems can accept fuel sources including natural gas, hydrogen, solar and electric. Rinnai also offers several free services designed to assist customer decision, such as a ‘Help Me Choose’ online service option to enable easier product selection.

Rinnai further provides an array of cost calculation services that will measure your current system’s output in five-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.

Rinnai’s selection of online services enables customer convenience from product viewing, selection and purchase. Rinnai’s CPDs, webinars, videos and calculation services help customers access information that offers product knowledge and insight into product operational capabilities.   

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