When improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, most people focus on insulation, boilers, or windows. But did you know that lighting type—specifically the number of energy-efficient bulbs in your home—can actually affect your final EPC score?
While the impact may be small compared to major upgrades, lighting is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to boost your rating quickly. In this article, we’ll break down how lighting is assessed in an EPC, why it matters, and how to make simple changes that can improve your score.
💡 What Does EPC Say About Lighting?
During an EPC assessment, your assessor will:
Count the total number of fixed light fittings (not plug-in lamps)
Check how many of them use low-energy bulbs
Calculate the percentage of energy-efficient lighting in the property
✅ Low-energy bulbs are typically:
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
LED bulbs
T5 or T8 fluorescent tubes
❌ Halogen, incandescent, and most decorative filament bulbs do not qualify as low-energy.
📋 How Lighting Type Affects Your EPC Score
Lighting is a minor contributor in the RdSAP methodology but still impacts the final score—especially for smaller properties.
Key lighting factors in EPC:
% of fixed fittings with energy-efficient bulbs
Total number of lights
Room types (e.g., more emphasis in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-use areas)
Energy-efficient lighting reduces electricity demand, which affects the calculated primary energy usage and carbon emissions.
| % of Low-Energy Lighting | EPC Score Impact |
|---|---|
| < 60% | Minor deduction |
| 60–99% | Slight benefit |
| 100% | Maximum benefit for lighting component |
💡 Switching all fixed lights to LEDs can add 1–2 EPC points, which can make a difference between EPC bands—especially if your score is borderline.
🧨 Common Lighting Myths Busted
❌ Myth 1: Lighting Has No Real Effect on EPC
✅ Truth: While it’s not a huge factor, it’s measurable and may tip the balance when your rating is close to the next band.
❌ Myth 2: Plug-in Lamps Count in the EPC
✅ Truth: Only fixed light fittings (wired to the ceiling or wall) are counted. Freestanding or table lamps are ignored.
❌ Myth 3: All CFLs and LEDs Qualify
✅ Truth: The assessor will visually confirm the bulb type. Older or decorative LED-lookalike filament bulbs may not be classified as low-energy if their wattage is high or not clearly marked.
🔄 Upgrading Lighting for EPC Improvement: A Quick Guide
✅ Step 1: Do a Light Audit
Walk through your property and count:
All fixed ceiling or wall-mounted fittings
How many use LEDs or CFLs
✅ Step 2: Replace Inefficient Bulbs
Focus on:
Kitchens and bathrooms (high-usage areas)
Any downlighters (halogen GU10s are common energy hogs)
Fixtures with multiple bulbs (e.g., chandeliers)
✅ Step 3: Use Only Certified Low-Energy Bulbs
LED bulbs: Choose A+ or A-rated
Match the wattage and lumen output to existing fittings
Consider warm white or daylight LEDs depending on your preference
✅ Step 4: Document Your Changes
Take photos or keep receipts for new LED bulb purchases. While not mandatory, having proof can support your case in case of disputes or future assessments.
⚖️ Cost vs. Benefit: Is It Worth It?
| Upgrade | Approx. Cost | EPC Score Impact | Payback Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace 10 bulbs with LEDs | £20–£40 | +1–2 points | 3–12 months (via bill savings) |
🔎 Verdict: It’s one of the lowest-cost improvements with measurable benefits on both your EPC and electricity bills.
📦 EPC and Lighting in Rental Properties
If you’re a landlord, EPC legislation now requires a minimum rating of E for rental properties. If you’re close to the threshold, switching all bulbs to LED might help you pass without large investments.
🔚 Final Takeaways
Lighting type is small but significant in EPC assessments.
Switching all fixed bulbs to energy-efficient ones like LEDs is quick, cheap, and effective.
While lighting won’t transform your EPC score alone, it’s often the easiest first step to improvement—especially when you’re just a few points away from the next band.
Need a Local Assessor or EPC Upgrade Advice?
At EPCrate.co.uk, we help homeowners and landlords across London:
✅ Book EPC assessments within 24 hours
✅ Identify easy wins like lighting, draught-proofing, and thermostatic controls
✅ Maximise your rating with minimal disruption or cost
