Smart homes are no longer a futuristic dream — they’re today’s reality. From learning thermostats to smart lighting and automated shading systems, homeowners are embracing tech that promises comfort, control, and better energy performance.
But here’s the big question:
Do smart home features actually improve your EPC rating? Or are they still flying under the radar in official assessments?
Let’s explore how smart technology fits (or doesn’t) into the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) framework — and what it means for homeowners, landlords, and developers in the UK.
🤖 What Counts as a “Smart” Home Feature?
A smart home typically includes systems or devices that can be automated, controlled remotely, or adjust themselves based on usage patterns. Common features include:
Smart thermostats (e.g. Nest, Hive, Tado)
Programmable lighting and occupancy sensors
Zoned heating with TRVs or app control
Smart meters and energy monitoring
Automated blinds or shading systems
Appliance scheduling via mobile apps
These systems aim to reduce energy waste and increase efficiency — goals perfectly aligned with the purpose of an EPC.
📋 EPC Basics: How Are Ratings Calculated?
An EPC rating is based on the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which evaluates:
Construction materials (walls, roofs, floors)
Insulation levels
Heating systems and controls
Hot water system efficiency
Lighting and window types
Renewable energy sources
Notice anything missing?
Smart controls and automation systems are not yet directly scored under most SAP methodologies — at least, not in the way you might expect.
🔍 Are Smart Features Scored in EPCs?
✅ Sometimes – but Indirectly
Here’s how:
Smart Thermostats may impact your EPC if they include weather compensation or load compensation. These features are recognised by SAP and can improve heating control scores.
Zoned Heating Controls (like TRVs controlled by apps) can boost your rating slightly, especially if they allow room-by-room temperature control.
Low-energy lighting controlled by sensors is scored more favourably than standard lighting.
❌ But Most Automation Is Still Ignored
Currently, the following are not recognised as direct EPC contributors:
Automated lighting schedules without low-energy fittings
Smart plugs or energy monitoring apps
Voice-controlled heating or IOT integrations
Appliance usage scheduling (e.g., running the dishwasher overnight)
⚠️ Why Aren’t Smart Features Fully Recognised?
SAP 2012 and SAP 10 (drafts of the EPC calculation method) have not yet fully caught up with the explosion in smart home tech. The EPC system is designed to measure potential energy performance, not real-world usage — so it doesn’t account for personal tech habits or app-driven efficiency.
Until the methodology evolves, EPCs remain hardware and fabric focused.
🔮 Will This Change in the Future?
Yes — it’s already in motion.
The UK government and industry bodies are working toward SAP 11, which is expected to include more advanced modelling of smart controls, real-time energy data, and potentially actual energy use (via smart meters).
We may see future EPCs:
Consider machine learning thermostats
Use occupancy-based data
Credit demand-side response technologies
Score buildings with automated shading or ventilation
But for now, it’s mostly about traditional upgrades (insulation, boilers, glazing) if you want to improve your rating.
🧩 So… Should You Still Invest in Smart Features?
Yes — but know why you’re doing it.
Smart home features:
Do reduce actual energy bills
Improve user comfort and convenience
Impress buyers and tenants (a hidden asset when selling or renting)
Just don’t expect an immediate leap in your EPC score — unless the smart system aligns with what SAP currently recognises.
✅ What Actually Will Boost Your EPC?
If you’re looking to go from a D to a C or escape an F rating, focus on:
Loft and wall insulation
Efficient condensing boilers
Double glazing
Renewables (solar PV, heat pumps)
Heating controls with compensation features
Want to know where your property stands and how to improve it?
👉 Book a Smart EPC Assessment at EPCrate.co.uk
Final Thoughts
Smart home tech may be changing how we live — but it hasn’t yet fully changed how homes are scored. EPCs are catching up, slowly. Until then, think of smart features as a great complement to traditional energy upgrades, not a replacement for them.
Want to get ahead of future EPC standards?
Start combining insulation and heating upgrades with smart tech — so you’re ready when the scoring system evolves.
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