When improving a property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, most people focus on insulation, boilers, or renewable energy systems. However, an often-overlooked factor that can significantly influence EPC scores is the heating control system — including thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and smart heating technologies.
In this article, we’ll explore how heating controls are evaluated in EPC assessments and how they can be a cost-effective way to enhance your property’s energy efficiency rating.
For tailored EPC advice and assessments that factor in advanced heating controls, visit our Services page.
1. The Role of Heating Controls in EPC Assessments
EPC assessors evaluate the type and sophistication of heating controls installed in a property. The more effectively you can regulate heat output and room temperatures, the lower the calculated primary energy demand, resulting in a better EPC score.
The SAP/RdSAP methodology looks at:
Room Thermostats.
Programmers and Timers.
TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves).
Zoning Controls (Separate areas with independent controls).
Smart Heating Controls and Learning Thermostats.
2. Types of Heating Controls and Their EPC Impact
| Heating Control Type | EPC Impact |
|---|---|
| No Heating Controls | Severe EPC penalties, often leading to low bands (F or G). |
| Basic Room Thermostat + Timer/Programmer | Meets minimum efficiency expectations; modest EPC uplift. |
| TRVs on Radiators | Provides zonal control, improving EPC by reducing over-heating. |
| Full Zoning Controls (e.g., for multi-level homes) | Significant EPC improvement by optimising heat distribution. |
| Smart Thermostats (e.g., Nest, Hive) | Offers efficient scheduling, learning behaviours, and remote control — positively affecting EPC ratings. |
3. How Smart Heating Controls Can Boost EPC Ratings
Smart thermostats and heating systems enhance EPC scores by:
Learning occupant behaviour to optimise heating patterns.
Reducing heating periods when properties are unoccupied.
Providing zonal control via apps or smart sensors.
Integrating with smart TRVs for room-by-room efficiency.
While SAP/RdSAP software currently models these improvements as incremental upgrades, the cumulative effect of smart controls combined with efficient heating systems can significantly boost EPC outcomes.
For a precise EPC assessment that accounts for smart heating technologies, book your assessment with EPCrate.
4. Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs): Small Device, Big Efficiency Gains
TRVs are simple yet effective devices fitted to radiators allowing individual room temperature control. EPC benefits of TRVs include:
Zonal heating control without major system upgrades.
Preventing over-heating in less-used rooms.
Enhancing overall system efficiency with minimal investment.
EPC assessments give credit when TRVs are installed on all radiators except for the room where the main thermostat is located.
5. Zoning Controls: A Game-Changer for Larger Properties
For larger homes, offices, or multi-storey properties, zoning controls allow independent heating schedules for different areas (zones). EPC assessments reward properties with effective zoning because they:
Reduce energy waste in unoccupied zones.
Provide occupants with greater control over comfort levels.
If you have multi-zone heating but it’s not reflected in your current EPC, consider a reassessment with an assessor from EPCrate. Learn about our EPC process here.
6. Common Heating Control Mistakes That Affect EPC Ratings
Outdated Timers/Programmers: Lacking flexibility for modern occupancy patterns.
No TRVs on radiators: Missing an easy efficiency win.
No zoning in large properties: Leading to unnecessary whole-house heating.
Failure to document smart heating installations: Assessor defaults to basic controls if evidence is lacking.
Ensure your EPC assessor is aware of all existing controls and provide manuals, installation certificates, or app screenshots where applicable.
7. Case Study: EPC Upgrade Through Heating Controls
A 3-bedroom property in London with an initial EPC of D underwent:
Installation of TRVs on all radiators.
Replacement of a basic thermostat with a smart, zoned control system.
Updated programmer with app-based scheduling.
Result:
EPC upgraded to C.
Annual heating costs reduced by approximately 15-20%.
For cost-effective EPC improvement strategies, explore our Pricing page.
Conclusion
Heating controls may seem like minor components in a property’s energy profile, but their impact on EPC outcomes can be substantial. Whether through installing TRVs, adopting zoning strategies, or leveraging smart thermostat technology, upgrading heating controls is a relatively low-cost way to achieve higher EPC ratings and real-world energy savings.
At EPCrate, we ensure that your heating control upgrades are fully recognised in your EPC report. Book an assessment today via our Booking page or reach out through our Contact page for expert advice.
