When it comes to improving a home’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, many homeowners and landlords search for quick fixes hoping to raise their score before selling or renting. But here’s the truth: not all EPC add-ons deliver real results, and some upgrades that sound impressive barely impact your rating at all.

If you’re unsure where to start or need a professional EPC check, visit our EPC Assessor Services to learn what matters most.

This guide breaks down the EPC add-ons that genuinely improve your rating, which ones only work in certain scenarios, and the upgrades that don’t matter as much as people think.

1. Add-Ons That Truly Boost Your EPC Rating

1.1 Smart Heating Controls – High Impact

Smart thermostats and modern heating controls are among the most EPC-valuable add-ons. They enhance heating efficiency, reduce waste, and improve your SAP score.

If you’re upgrading heating systems before your next EPC visit, consider booking an inspection through our EPC Booking Portal.

1.2 Low-Energy Lighting – Small Cost, Big Value

Switching all bulbs to LED lighting is simple, low-cost, and counted as a full-home efficiency upgrade.

Even though lighting alone won’t shift your EPC band dramatically, it supports overall efficiency and is always recommended.

Curious about the cost? See our EPC Pricing page for full details.

1.3 Hot Water Cylinder Insulation – Excellent Return

If your property uses a hot water cylinder, insulation jackets offer one of the best low-cost EPC add-ons.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced heat loss

  • Better hot water retention

  • An improved SAP score

1.4 Solar PV Add-Ons – One of the Strongest EPC Boosters

Solar panels are among the highest-impact EPC improvements because they directly reduce electricity demand and lower carbon output.

If you’re unsure whether solar will benefit your property type, speak with our experts via the Contact Page.

1.5 Draught-Proofing for Loft Hatches & Gaps

Small improvements to airtightness, especially around loft hatches and doors, help support heating efficiency.

These are low-cost but effective add-ons that EPC assessors always value.

2. EPC Add-Ons That Work Only in Certain Homes

2.1 Chimney Balloons

These reduce heat escaping through unused chimneys.

Useful for homes with:

  • Open fireplaces

  • Large draught zones

Not essential for newer builds.

2.2 Secondary Glazing Panels

Secondary glazing works well for:

  • Listed properties

  • Homes with single glazing

  • Budgets too tight for full replacement

Moderate impact, but helpful in the right scenario.

2.3 Radiator Reflectors

These foil panels help reduce heat loss into external walls.

Impact is small, but useful for solid-wall homes with older radiators.

2.4 Weather Compensation Controls

These upgrade boiler efficiency by adjusting heat output based on outdoor temperature.

High impact for modern boilers but limited on older systems.

3. Add-Ons That Barely Affect Your EPC Rating

3.1 Smart Plugs & Energy Monitoring Gadgets

These help reduce bills through behaviour changes—but EPCs do not measure user habits.

They don’t influence your rating.

3.2 Portable Heating or Cooling Units

Portable heaters, AC units, and plug-in radiators are ignored by EPC assessors. They are not fixed systems.

3.3 Temporary Insulation Mats

Unless permanently installed, they don’t count in SAP calculations.

3.4 Air Purifiers & Humidifiers

These have zero EPC impact and are not considered in the assessment.

4. What EPC Assessors Actually Prioritise

EPC assessors focus on measurable, fixed improvements related to:

  • Heating system efficiency

  • Insulation levels

  • Hot water systems

  • Renewable energy

  • Air tightness

For a breakdown of what happens during an EPC inspection, visit our About Us page.

The most valuable EPC add-ons include:

  1. Smart heating controls

  2. LED lighting

  3. Solar PV

  4. Cylinder insulation

  5. Draught-proofing improvements

5. Best Add-Ons for Different Property Types

Older Homes (pre-1930)

  • Secondary glazing

  • Draught-proofing

  • Smart heating controls

Mid-Century Homes (1930–1990)

  • Loft insulation top-ups

  • Hot water cylinder insulation

  • LED lighting

Modern Homes (Post-2000)

  • Smart thermostats

  • Solar panels

  • Minor airtightness improvements

Rental Properties

Landlords preparing for inspections should prioritise proven improvements. If you’re preparing for compliance, our experts can help — simply schedule your EPC through our Booking Page.

6. The Highest-Value EPC Add-Ons

To maximise EPC results quickly, focus on:

  1. Smart Heating Controls – noticeable uplift

  2. LED Lighting – low-cost, all-home improvement

  3. Draught-Proofing – supports heat retention

  4. Cylinder Insulation – especially for older homes

  5. Solar PV – the strongest long-term EPC booster

These five add-ons alone can shift many homes from Band D to Band C.

Final Thoughts

Not all EPC add-ons are equal. Some improvements offer strong returns and immediate EPC benefits, while others make little difference. Understanding what assessors actually measure can help you invest wisely and avoid wasting money.

Email :info@epcrate.co.uk

Phone:020 34884142