Energy Efficiency - Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation/Solar Panels

[Tryingtogetahead]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and a new landlord (still trying to find my feet)

I am looking for information regarding the above and recommendations if possible.

I have 3 properties that need looking at and I wanted to know what experiences landlords have had with these companies.

Many Thanks
TTGA

[mind the gap]

Hi All,

I'm new to this forum and a new landlord (still trying to find my feet)

I am looking for information regarding the above and recommendations if possible.

I have 3 properties that need looking at and I wanted to know what experiences landlords have had with these companies.

Many Thanks
TTGA

Which companies?

[tacpot]

Ahead of your reply I would say that Solar Panels represent a significant risk in a Rental property, unless it is a new build.

Cavity wall insulation is worthwhile, albeit with long payback times. Could be particulaly worthwhile if it will move the property up a band on its EPC. Have you had an EPC done on each of the properties?

Loft insulation is much cheaper to install oneself than getting a company in to do it. It took me about an hour to do the loft in my property. Using modern sealed rolls, there is very little of the itching caused by glass fibre/mineral.

[JK0]

EON were offering loft insulation for £100 last year, and they were happy to do the place I rent out. It is tax deductible so only cost me £60.

[Interlaken]

Sounds like a good deal JKO. I try to insulate as much as poss wherever possible. Warm home = happy tenants and if it reduces bills all the better.

I have never had trouble with cavity wall insulation but insist on the graphite beads which are damp resistant.

[jamesvince26]

Get yourself read up on the Energy Bill that is just about to pass parliament and take note of the part concerning landlords which basically says if your property is not above an E = 50 rating by 2016 then you will not be legally allowed to rent out your house.

If your houses are acceptable and you have the cash I would highly recommend PV panel installation. You benefit off the feed in tariff plus the energy that is sold back to the grid. On average these systems up to a 4KWP cost around £11,400 including VAT. The earnings are 100% tax free and the tariff feeds are linked to inflation for 25 years guaranteed. The pay off period is based on 10 years but in reality it is quicker than that. Then obviously you have an income off the system for the duration of the 25 years that you agreed at the outset.

The benefit to your tenants is they get cheaper electricity bills, you benefit from the income the system generates from the feed in tariff plus energy that is sold back to the grid.

Cavity wall insulation and loft insulation can be obtained through a CERT scheme but you do have to contribute monies to it yourself.

Read up on the upcoming Green Deal to see whats going to be happening v shortly regarding funding for energy improvements - exciting times!!