UK landlords should upgrade to cavity walls to reduce energy bills

Posted under Advice by Michael

The introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate from October 1 for landlords and house sellers has made the improvement of energy efficiency all the more important from a savings point of view, said Mike Malina, an energy efficiency expert.

Malina has suggested installation of cavity wall insulation to those looking at reducing the energy bills of their homes and striving to improve their EPC rating. He commented that expensive double glazed windows were mainly cosmetic. He felt that one should not invest on double glazed windows unless there was drastic need for replacement.

He argued that if the windows were in sound condition, replacing them with a double-glazed variety was not a good idea since many more cost-effective approaches could be undertaken first to get much higher returns on investment.

Malina recommended thermostatic radio valves and draft stripping in homes to enhance energy efficiency without the need to spend large amounts.

An improvement in energy efficiency would also mean reduction in carbon emission. According to the department of Communities and Local Government reports the existing old UK homes emitted 1.6 tonnes of carbon on average per year which was almost twice (0.9 tonnes) the average in the newly constructed homes.

The Government has introduced the Landlords’ Energy saving Allowance (LESA), which is a gift to the savers of energy. It is a tax break which entitles landlords for tax returns against expenses incurred in installing energy saving items or equipments.

Insulations help in consumption reduction. Amount spent on insulations, hot water systems and cavity wall will attract tax return up to maximum £1,500 per property.