Improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating doesn’t always require major renovations. Many homeowners and landlords can achieve significant EPC gains with small, cost-effective adjustments. These quick wins are often overlooked but can make a real difference to your energy efficiency score, comfort, and property value.
Our expert EPC Assessors in London frequently identify these simple opportunities during inspections:
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1. Upgrade Fixed Lighting to Energy-Efficient Bulbs
EPCs focus on permanent lighting fixtures, not table or floor lamps. Replacing inefficient halogen or incandescent bulbs with LED or low-energy alternatives can boost your rating immediately.
Ensure all main rooms—kitchen, bathroom, hallway, and living areas—have efficient fixed lighting.
Even a few inefficient fittings can reduce your EPC score unnecessarily.
2. Optimise Heating Controls
Heating is a major factor in EPC calculations. Many homes have efficient boilers but lack proper controls, which can significantly lower scores.
Quick improvements include:
Programmable room thermostats
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) on all radiators
Time and temperature zoning
Smart heating integration
These adjustments are low-cost, fast, and yield noticeable EPC gains.
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3. Draught-Proof Doors and Windows
Air leakage can drastically reduce your home’s fabric efficiency. Addressing draughts is an easy win:
Seal gaps around external doors and windows
Add letterbox brushes and keyhole covers
Check for drafts around floorboards and skirting in older properties
These measures are inexpensive, quick, and valued in EPC assessments.
4. Improve Loft and Roof Insulation
Even homes with existing insulation may be underperforming. Quick steps include:
Topping up loft insulation to modern recommended depths (270–300mm)
Ensuring insulation covers the entire loft floor evenly
Documenting thickness and installation for the assessor
5. Insulate Hot Water Cylinders and Pipes
Hot water efficiency is often overlooked:
Fit a cylinder jacket to reduce heat loss
Insulate exposed pipes
Ensure thermostats are correctly set
These minor adjustments are cost-effective and easily recognised in EPC scoring.
6. Provide Documentation and Evidence
A common reason EPC points are lost is missing proof:
Boiler installation certificates
Insulation invoices or photos
Renewable energy system documentation
Without evidence, assessors may assume inefficiency, lowering your rating.
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7. Minor Behavioural Adjustments
While EPCs primarily measure property characteristics, well-maintained systems perform better:
Set thermostats at recommended temperatures
Avoid unnecessary heating in unused rooms
Service heating systems annually
Proper maintenance ensures efficiency is recognised during assessment.
8. Benefits of Quick EPC Wins
Implementing small changes first has multiple advantages:
Cost-effective improvements with high impact
Fast results without major renovation
Can push your EPC into the next band
Supports landlord compliance
Reduces energy bills immediately
9. Re-Assessment Timing
Once improvements are completed:
Gather all documentation
Ensure systems are visible and functional
Book an EPC assessment to capture the improved rating
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Conclusion
Quick, targeted improvements can significantly boost your EPC score without expensive renovations. By upgrading lighting, optimising heating controls, addressing draughts, improving insulation, and providing documentation, homeowners and landlords can achieve real efficiency gains and higher EPC bands.
Key Takeaways
Small, high-impact changes can deliver large EPC gains
Heating controls, lighting, insulation, and draught-proofing are top priorities
Proper documentation ensures improvements are credited
Quick wins improve energy efficiency, comfort, and property value
