From 1st April 2018, all properties which are rented out in the private sector will require a minimum energy rating of E on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). With a civil penalty of up to £4,000 for those whose properties breach the regulations, we thought we’d tell you everything you need to know about the changes and how something as simple as changing the windows within a property can ensure regulations are met.

What is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a little bit like the energy rating stickers you get on new appliances - it tells you how energy efficient a building is, giving it a rating from A (very efficient) to G (inefficient). The documents summarise the energy performance related features of a property such as the walls, roof, floor and windows and estimates the energy costs of a property.

EPCs also state what the energy-efficiency rating of a property could be if improvements are made, highlighting cost-effective methods which will allow to property to achieve a better rating. These suggestions range from switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs to increasing loft insulation or replacing windows with Low-E triple or double glazing.

Who will be affected by the changes?

The new regulations will apply to domestic private rented sector properties in England and Wales and mean landlords will have to ensure their properties meet the minimum energy performance rating of E on an EPC.

From April 1st 2018, the regulations will apply to new tenancies with new tenants, and new tenancies to existing tenants. From April 1st 2020, the regulations will apply to almost all privately rented properties with the exception of listed buildings, temporary buildings, residential buildings which are intended to be used for less than four months of the year and stand alone buildings with a total usable floor area of less than 50 square metres.

Low-E Glass

Here at Donwood Glass, we offer market leading Low-E Glass (low emissivity softcoat glass) which can add much needed thermal insulation to a property.

Suitable for both commercial and domestic properties, Low-E Glass has a microscopically thin, transparent coating which reflects heat and helps increase the energy efficiency of a property with energy ratings from C to A+.

It does this by reducing heat loss from a room to the outside, and it also reflects infrared rays from the sun to maintain a comfortable internal temperature without any impact on light in hotter months. So not only will your property be more energy efficient in-line with new regulations but you’ll be able to save money on bills in the long-term too.

If you want to make sure the glass used in your property meets the new regulations, or if you want to ensure your property has the windows which meet your energy efficiency requirements, get in touch with our expert team team who will happily supply you with details or recommended firms and installers that use our products.