Improving energy efficiency in flats, rented accommodation and office blocks poses particular challenges for landlords, local authorities and housing associations even though they are known to be significant areas of need. The many different ways that we own accommodation in the UK is the reason it is so difficultm to make solid and consistent improvement to flats and multi-owner accommodation. However the fast-moving global agenda to cut energy carbon emissions means all landlords, local authorities and housing associations have a pressing duty to ensure their properties are as energy efficient as possible. Indeed, with the minimum requirement for the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) currently at E and set to rise to D from 2025, the situation is unavoidable. Although it is always a challenge to undertake works on a multi-occupancy property, it is useful to remember that this is about energy efficiency so any improvements will result in lower energy bills and better functioning equipment designed to last longer. In today’s property market, eco-friendly improvements are always appealing so any costs should be offset against the increased value of the property. However, it is important to keep realistic market value at the forefront of your mind and ensure spending will deliver a return on investment. Here are 4 key ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your flats, residential accommodation or office block: 1. Review energy use: It is easy to think about what you could add to the property, however there is also much you can achieve by reviewing your current energy use. Identifying areas of waste can go a long way to cutting your carbon footprint. Assess the efficiency of the current heating system/s you have in place. Is it the most efficient way to heat the property? When did you last really look at your bills and usage? For example, lots of landlords, housing associations and local authorities are choosing to install communal heating to save energy across the building whilst slashing the cost of energy bills for tenants. Remember newer heating systems operate at much better energy efficiency levels so hanging on to an old heating system will be costing you more in the long run and may well hinder the advantages of any improvements you make elsewhere. 2. Smart devices: Technology has bought us many economies and the heating industry is no different. From thermostats to heating controls, apps on the go, thermostat controls and smart devices, there are a huge number of ways to harness smart technology in your quest to cut your carbon footprint and decrease your energy use. Upgrading devices and installing new technology is easier than ever so don’t let disruption to tenants put you off improving the ways your manage energy in your property. Experienced heating companies for the housing sector can have your upgrades installed and running properly in no time although you should ensure any new energy solution is tailored to suit your property. 3. Insulation: Heat can be lost in so many ways so it is really important to include the quality of the insulation in the property during your review. Inadequate window glazing, improvements to wall insulation, underfloor insulation, loft or ceiling insulation and better duct insulation are just some of the many ways you can ensure energy stays in the property. 4. Contemporary heating systems: From renewable technologies to systems that perform multiple functions, there are now a huge variety of ways to heat your property – all offering fantastic, cost-saving benefits too. Underfloor heating, thermal energy stores, water source heat pumps, waste water heat recovery devices attached to showers, ground source heat pumps and solar water heating are just some of the many contemporary heating solutions on the market. Thermal energy stores for example, can keep heat stored for long periods of time through a range of means so you are not constantly heating water and using up energy. Whatever the changes you choose to make, ensure they are bespoke, quality solutions, guaranteed to have a significant impact on your tenants energy use across the board. If you would like to discuss the best solutions for your residential or commercial property blocks in Luton, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire or Northants, speak to one of our experienced engineers today. To discover the current status of your energy use, use the Energy Saving Trust’s energy calculator to discover how energy efficient your home is at present and hear which energy saving solutions might work well in your property. The Energy Saving Trust are an independent organisation with a mission to provide practical help and support to homes and businesses who want to do their bit to address climate change. They have lots of information on their site and are a leading voice in the energy industry, promoting energy efficiency and clean energy solutions. Find out more at energysavingtrust.org.uk Energy Saving Heating Solutions, Luton We are expert heating engineers based in Luton. We work for local authorities, housing associations and landlords of flats, offices and residential accommodation across Luton, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northants. If you are looking for energy saving solutions for residential or commercial properties in Luton or another part of Southern England, or would like to book a service, installation or repair, get in touch with our experienced team today. Call 01582 571 925 today or visit our home page now.

If you manage a residential or commercial property you may be considering whether you should install a communal heating system in your building. Communal heating systems, also known as district heat networks, are preferred by manylandlords, local authorities, businesses and housing associations across Southern England. Delivering numerous economical and environmental advantages for your business, communal heating systems are a great way to make valuable savings whilst aiding the environment. If you are thinking about getting a communal heating system installed in flats, a residential property or an office, read on for the top reasons why so many landlords prefer communal heating systems as well as a quick guide to the main things you should know before getting a communal heating system installed. Why install communal heating? A quick guide to communal heating: 1. Cheaper: Communal heating systems are designed to make it easier for both landlords and tenants to manage and monitor usage so you’ll quickly notice how much cheaper it is to heat your flats or office. Communal heating systems use accurate meters to ensure residents only pay for the heating they use. If your property doesn’t already have individual meters installed in each flat, you’ll need to have them put in so that tenants are able to retain personal control over their own heating. See point 5 detailing the terms and conditions for the installation of a communal heating system for more about meters and other options. By only using one system for the heating and hot water across the property rather than individual boilers located in each flat, you’ll find less energy is used, reducing the cost of bills. Additionally, you will now only have to pay to service and maintain one heating system instead of lots of boilers, saving you plenty of money on annual services, maintenance and administration. 2. More efficient: With all the heating and hot water for the property co-ordinated from one location it is much easier to manage and maintain the heating supply throughout your flats or office. Reducing the amount of time, energy and money you need to spend on the upkeep of your heating, a communal system will make it possible for you to only have to monitor and maintain a single system. You won’t have to waste valuable time overseeing different systems in various locations all over the building, with varying degrees of function. Your single solution will make servicing, maintenance and supervision quick, simple and efficient. Built for robust use, communal heating systems are known to last a decade longer than individual boilers so you’ll get better value for your money long term too. 3. Energy saving: Your shared heating system will be designed to operate with the highest efficiency. District heat networks are contemporary, specially built devices, designed to ensure your energy use is optimised and your carbon emissions are reduced. Accurate billing and up to date information about energy use are key requirements in the operation of communal heating systems. It is a legal requirement for landlords with communal heating systems to regularly send accurate bill and insightful information about energy use. With a clear and current picture of their own energy use, tenants will be better able to manage, track and adjust their usage to ensure energy isn’t going to waste, making your heating solution more environmentally friendly. 4. Maintenance: With all residents relying on the same system, regular maintenance and servicing of your communal heating system is really important. Any fault or worse still, system breakdown, will affect all your tenants at the same time so it is crucial that your communal heating system is kept in excellent condition by ensuring you keep up with service schedules and any faults are reported quickly. It is also advisable to check your buildings insurance will fully cover you, just in case there is ever any problem related to the shared heating system. 5. Terms: Under the terms of the 2014 Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations there are certain criteria that need to be met before you can have communal heating installed in your flats or office. The purpose of the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations is to ensure all billing and usage resulting from the communal heating system are transparent and correct for both tenant and landlord. The regulations also guarantee tenants are able to retain sufficient control over their own heating use when the district heating network is installed. The Heat Network Regulations are managed by the UK National Measurement and Regulation Office (NMRO). You will need to meet the following conditions and notify the NMRO before you can have a communal heating system installed. Conditions landlords must meet for installation of communal heating/ a district heating network: Have at least two paying tenants living in the property who each heat their own living space. Check whether meters with their own separate controls will need to be installed in each flat so that tenants can adequately manage their own heating use. You may need to use thermostatic radiator valves or heat cost allocators if personal meters are not appropriate for your setting or prove too expensive. Ensure all heating bills are based on actual usage rather than estimated calculations. These bills must be sent to tenants at least once a year. Bills must also be accompanied by useful billing information which must be received by tenants every six months or more. Are you thinking about getting a communal heating system installed? We install, service and repair communal heating systems for local authorities, housing associations and landlords of flats, offices and residential accommodation across Luton, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northants. If you are looking for expert heating engineers in Luton or Southern England to install or repair your communal heating system, get in touch with our experienced team today. Call 01582 571 925 today or visit our home page now.