When homeowners think about improving their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score, they usually focus on insulation, boilers, or renewable energy systems. What many don’t realise is that heating controls can influence EPC scores far more than expected—sometimes making the difference between passing or failing a band threshold.
In fact, EPC assessors regularly see properties with modern boilers still achieving lower EPC ratings simply because heating controls are outdated, missing, or incorrectly installed. Understanding how heating controls are assessed can unlock some of the quickest and most cost-effective EPC gains available.
👉 Learn how EPC assessments work with qualified professionals:
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What Are Heating Controls in EPC Terms?
Heating controls are systems that regulate when, where, and how heat is delivered throughout a property. EPCs don’t just look at heat generation—they evaluate how efficiently that heat is managed.
Common heating controls assessed in EPCs include:
Programmable room thermostats
Time and temperature controls
Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
Zoning systems
Weather compensation controls
Smart heating systems (when properly configured)
The better the control, the less energy wasted, and the higher the EPC score.
Why EPCs Place High Value on Heating Controls
EPC calculations assume standardised usage patterns, not personal habits. This means a system that can prevent energy waste scores better than one that relies on occupant behaviour.
Heating controls:
Reduce overheating
Prevent unnecessary heating
Improve heat distribution efficiency
Lower calculated energy demand
Because space heating accounts for the largest proportion of household energy use, even small efficiency gains have a disproportionate impact on EPC scores.
The Most Common Heating Control Mistakes
Many EPC points are lost due to simple oversights.
1. No Programmable Thermostat
Properties with only manual on/off controls are scored poorly. EPCs reward systems that automatically regulate temperature based on time.
2. Missing TRVs
Radiators without thermostatic valves suggest inefficient room-by-room control. Even partial TRV installation can reduce EPC points.
3. Single-Zone Heating
Whole-house heating without zoning assumes energy waste in unused rooms.
4. Old or Incompatible Controls
Older controls may exist but don’t meet EPC efficiency standards—especially if they’re not compatible with modern boilers.
Heating Controls vs Boiler Upgrades: A Surprising Truth
One of the biggest EPC misconceptions is that replacing the boiler always delivers the biggest score increase.
In reality:
A modern boiler without controls may score worse than
An older boiler with advanced controls
EPC methodology heavily penalises systems that generate heat efficiently but fail to manage it effectively.
👉 Before upgrading equipment, check EPC pricing and guidance:
https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/
How Heating Controls Are Scored in EPC Assessments
EPC assessors must record:
Type of controls present
Compatibility with heating system
Level of automation
Zoning capability
If controls:
Can’t be demonstrated
Aren’t fully functional
Lack evidence
They may be downgraded or excluded from EPC calculations.
This is why homeowners sometimes believe they have “good controls” but still receive a low EPC score.
Smart Heating Systems: Do They Always Help EPC Scores?
Smart heating systems can improve EPC ratings—but only when they meet assessment criteria.
They must:
Control heating automatically
Regulate temperature by zone or room
Integrate with the primary heating system
Smart devices used only via manual phone control do not automatically increase EPC scores.
When correctly installed, however, smart controls can outperform traditional systems in EPC calculations.
Low-Cost Heating Control Upgrades That Boost EPC Scores
Heating controls are among the most affordable EPC improvements.
High-impact upgrades include:
Installing a programmable room thermostat
Adding TRVs to all radiators
Introducing basic zoning
Upgrading outdated control panels
These upgrades are often enough to:
Push a property into the next EPC band
Meet landlord compliance requirements
Avoid costly re-assessments
👉 Book your EPC after upgrades are complete:
https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/
Why Heating Controls Matter for Landlords
Heating controls are especially important for rental properties due to minimum EPC requirements.
Poor controls can:
Keep a property below Band C
Trigger compliance risks
Limit future lettings
Upgrading controls is often the fastest way for landlords to improve EPC ratings without major renovation.
👉 Speak with EPC specialists for compliance guidance:
https://epcrate.co.uk/contact-us-epc-services-london/
Evidence Matters: Proving Heating Control Efficiency
Assessors can only award EPC points for what they can verify.
Always provide:
Installation certificates
Manufacturer documentation
System manuals
Visual access to controls
Without evidence, assessors must apply default assumptions, which usually lower EPC scores.
Why Heating Controls Can Decide EPC Band Boundaries
Many EPC reports sit within 1–5 points of the next band.
Heating controls often provide:
The final points needed
The lowest-cost improvement
The quickest upgrade timeline
This makes them one of the most strategically important EPC components, despite being widely overlooked.
Conclusion
Heating controls influence EPC scores far more than most homeowners expect—not because they’re complex, but because they directly reduce energy waste at the calculation level.
Key Takeaways
EPCs reward heat management, not just heat production
Heating controls can outperform expensive upgrades
Poor controls are a common reason for low EPC scores
Small upgrades often lead to big rating jumps
Evidence and compatibility are essential
If you’re planning an EPC assessment, optimising heating controls first is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
