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LED bulbs.

Started by heavykarma, June 25, 2018, 11:26:48 AM

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heavykarma

I have had to replace an EPC.There is no problem with the rating given,but the lowest marks are for lighting.I had standard low-energy bulbs (is there any other kind now?) but replaced with LED,after reading comments on this and other forums.What kind will guarantee the right result? 

Simon Pambin

Efficiency-wise it basically goes: Incandescent -> Halogen -> CFL -> LED .. Other than sun pipes I don't think you can get  much better than LED's at the moment. Some are more efficient than others but I don't see how the assessor would be able to tell that just by looking at them.

Hippogriff

A LED bulb has a watt rating, and the number of watts used per lumens provided should give you an idea of efficiency... but it's not the kind of level EPC Assessor go into - they, basically, seem to call it "low-energy lighting in all fixed outlets"... if that is a tick, you get a mark (or two). The major benefit of LEDs is when you're showing prospective new Tenants around the property and you're able to boast to them how cheap they will be to run and how they'll probably never have to change a bulb again... also it makes you come across like you care about quality and have attention-to-detail.

Plus, I've not met anyone yet who has claimed they actually like the soft-start typical low-energy bulbs. Our generation wants instant gratification in all things, including our light.

heavykarma

Thank you,I will query this.The original epc's were very inconsistent,for 3 flats, identical, alongside each other.Another upstairs flat lost points because of no insulation.I followed the advice to get some in the loft,only to find it was fully covered!

Hippogriff

An EPC Assessor gets paid, what?, £45? Like they care one little bit about the rating... it's gonna be as cookie-cutter as they can make it. Bish, bash, bosh...

Forget the EPC. No-one ever reads them. I had a property for let with A-rated boiler, LEDs everywhere, solar panels, insulation in the loft like clouds... water butt in the garden, every Code Yadayada item you could shake a stick at. The EPC actual rating was, like 1, below its potential rating... no-one ever cares. They did like the idea of LEDs, though... LEDs are cool.

Literally... quite cool.

heavykarma

I was unable to tolerate the old-style low energy bulbs.My house is Victorian,and it was a bit too gloomy,plus they aggravated my migraines.If the Assessors don't care,why can't they at least raise the rating,and earn a nice tip from a grateful landlord?

Hippogriff

As long as you make it known a nice tip is heading their way, I'm sure some would. However, I've once had an Assessor give me a rating, then phone me up a few days later and say something like it had been through due diligence or had been peer-reviewed or summat (?) and he was dropping the rating by a few points - didn't affect the letter rating though. I'm surprised that happened, but it did. I didn't dream it.

heavykarma

Sounds like he was fishing for a "tip."

Hippogriff

It must be depressing doing EPCs. Producing an asset that no-one cares about, and is only getting because they must have it.

Simon Pambin

I suppose it's a step up from doing prostate examinations.

heavykarma

I can't agree.There's loads more money to be made out of prostates.Have you found someone offering to do it for £45?