As the winter chill sets in and energy bills creep higher, landlords and investors in Chelmsford face a crucial question: are your rental properties losing heat and money? With tenants more focused than ever on energy efficiency, now is the time to take action.
Whether you’re managing a single buy-to-let or a larger portfolio, a few targeted winter checks can make a big difference. In this guide, Martin & Co Chelmsford shares practical, cost-effective energy saving tips to help landlords reduce heating bills, improve their EPC rating and keep tenants warm and happy.
Why winter energy efficiency matters in Chelmsford
Energy performance is no longer just a tenant concern – it directly affects compliance, cost, and competitiveness in the rental market. In Chelmsford, like many parts of Essex, older housing stock and fluctuating weather conditions can make winter a costly season for poorly insulated properties.
According to Zoopla, energy bills for the average UK household rose by 13% in 2023. In response, tenants are paying closer attention to EPC ratings and running costs when choosing a home.
The current legal minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England is E. However, the government is proposing changes that could require a minimum of C for all new tenancies by 2025. That means improving your property’s efficiency now could protect its value and lettability in the years to come.
For Chelmsford landlords, winter is the ideal time to assess where energy loss is happening and fix it before it leads to bigger problems.
1. Check windows and doors for draughts
One of the simplest but most effective ways to improve energy efficiency is draught-proofing your property. Cold air sneaking through gaps in window frames and door seals can lead to major heat loss, especially in older Victorian or 1930s Chelmsford homes.
What to look for:
- Gaps around windows and doors
- Cold air coming through letterboxes or keyholes
- Warped or loose window frames
What to do:
- Fit self-adhesive draught-excluding strips around window and door edges
- Install a letterbox brush and keyhole cover
- Consider heavy curtains or thermal blinds to reduce heat loss through glass
According to the Energy Saving Trust, draught-proofing windows and doors could save up to £60 a year on heating bills. It also reduces wear on boilers, as they don’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
Tenants will notice the difference quickly – a warmer, quieter and more comfortable home is a win for everyone.
2. Review insulation in lofts and walls
In poorly insulated properties, as much as 25% of heat can escape through the roof. That makes loft insulation one of the best-value improvements you can make.
Check for:
- Less than 270mm of insulation in the loft space
- Missing or damaged insulation in eaves or crawl spaces
- Signs of damp or condensation, which can reduce insulation effectiveness
If your property has cavity walls, they should be filled with insulation. Solid walls can be insulated internally or externally, although at a higher cost.
Benefits for landlords:
- Improved EPC rating Chelmsford properties often benefit from a boost of up to two bands with upgraded insulation
- Lower heating bills Essex-wide, particularly in semi-detached and detached homes
- Increased tenant satisfaction and retention during colder months
Insulation improvements may also be eligible for support under government schemes such as ECO4 or the Home Upgrade Grant.
3. Bleed radiators and check your boiler
Heating systems under pressure during winter need attention to stay efficient and reliable. Radiators that feel cold at the top are a sign of trapped air and won’t heat the room properly.
Winter heating checklist:
- Bleed all radiators to remove air pockets
- Check for even heat distribution
- Confirm the boiler pressure is within the recommended range (usually 1 to 2 bar)
- Book an annual boiler service if not already completed
If your boiler is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade. A new A-rated condensing boiler can be up to 30% more efficient than an older model, saving tenants hundreds each year.
As part of your landlord obligations, you must provide an annual Gas Safety Certificate. Scheduling a full service alongside this check can save time and reduce callouts during the winter peak.
4. Install or review your smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are increasingly popular with tenants and landlords alike. They allow for precise control over heating schedules, meaning tenants can stay warm when needed without wasting energy when out.
Popular models such as Nest, Hive or Tado offer features like:
- Zoned heating controls
- Remote access via smartphone apps
- Learning algorithms that adapt to occupant habits
- Energy usage tracking
For landlords, smart thermostats can help reduce unnecessary energy use in between tenancies and make properties more attractive to eco-conscious renters.
A study by Ofgem found that homes using smart heating controls could reduce heating bills by up to 10%. That’s a meaningful saving over a full winter season in Essex.
When integrated with modern boilers, smart thermostats may also contribute positively to an EPC rating Chelmsford landlords need to maintain or improve.
5. Schedule an EPC assessment or review your current rating
An Energy Performance Certificate is more than just a legal requirement – it’s a useful tool for understanding your property’s energy use and identifying areas for improvement.
When to get a new EPC:
- If the current certificate is older than 10 years
- After insulation or heating upgrades
- Before re-letting to a new tenant
EPC ratings are based on:
- Heating system efficiency
- Insulation levels
- Window and door quality
- Lighting types (LED vs incandescent)
Landlords aiming to reduce heating bills Essex-wide are often surprised at how much of an impact small upgrades can have on their EPC score.
Martin & Co Chelmsford can arrange EPC assessments and provide tailored advice on how to improve your score affordably. This is especially important with proposed legislation that may require a minimum EPC rating of C for all rental properties by 2028.
Why winter checks matter for buy-to-let landlords
Neglecting your property’s energy performance in winter can lead to:
- Higher tenant turnover due to comfort issues
- Complaints or maintenance requests related to damp, mould, or heating failures
- Reduced rental appeal compared to newer, energy-efficient homes
- Lower yields and longer voids during winter letting cycles
By addressing issues early and investing in improvements, landlords can:
- Increase tenant satisfaction and loyalty
- Justify higher rents based on improved property condition
- Stay ahead of compliance changes without panic or last-minute costs
Energy-conscious renters are now prioritising efficient homes, and landlords who respond to this demand are reaping the benefits.
How Martin & Co Chelmsford can help
At Martin & Co Chelmsford, we work with local landlords every day to help them make the most of their properties, especially during the winter season.
Our services include:
- Free rental valuations with insights on how energy efficiency affects value
- EPC management and improvement advice tailored to your property
- Full property management, including maintenance, compliance and tenant communication
- Lettings marketing that highlights energy-efficient features to attract quality tenants
Whether you’re new to letting or managing a growing portfolio, our local expertise can help you stay efficient, compliant and competitive.
Final thoughts
Chelmsford winter energy saving tips are not just about comfort – they’re about protecting your investment and staying ahead in a changing rental landscape.
By tackling heat loss, upgrading key systems, and reviewing your EPC rating, you can reduce heating bills, increase tenant satisfaction and position your property as a desirable option all year round.
Simple steps like draught-proofing home winter checks or reviewing your boiler performance can make a noticeable difference. And with proposed EPC changes on the horizon, there’s no better time to act.
Ready to future-proof your property?
Book your free rental valuation or speak to our team at Martin & Co Chelmsford for tailored energy-saving advice.
