If your EPC inspection is just around the corner, don’t panic — there are still several fast, inexpensive improvements you can make to give your rating a helpful boost. These quick fixes won’t replace major upgrades, but they can instantly improve efficiency, reduce heat loss, and present your home in a better light during the assessment.

Before you start, you can confirm your EPC booking or schedule an urgent inspection through our Booking Page.

1. Seal Draughts Around Windows and Doors

Draughts are one of the first things an EPC assessor notices. Even small gaps can significantly affect thermal performance.

Quick Fixes

  • Add self-adhesive foam or rubber draught strips

  • Seal gaps using silicone

  • Close unused chimneys with a removable draught stopper

These low-cost changes instantly reduce heat leakage — a positive signal during your EPC inspection.

2. Install Basic LED Bulbs in All Rooms

Lighting is a simple EPC category, yet many properties lose points unnecessarily.

Before the assessor arrives:

  • Replace halogen and incandescent bulbs with LEDs

  • Ensure all bulbs are working

  • Use consistent LED lighting throughout the home

LEDs improve your energy efficiency rating and show that your home uses low-energy lighting systems.

3. Bleed Radiators for Better Heating Efficiency

Cold spots and inefficient radiators can suggest poor heating performance.

Do this the night before:

  • Use a radiator key to release trapped air

  • Ensure the heating system warms evenly

  • Check for rooms that stay unusually cold

A well-functioning system can support a stronger score under the heating efficiency component.

4. Adjust Your Boiler Settings

Your boiler contributes heavily to your EPC rating. Even without replacing it, you can optimise performance quickly.

Simple adjustments:

  • Set the flow temperature between 55–60°C

  • Ensure the boiler pressure is in the green zone

  • Enable eco mode if available

  • Set thermostats correctly

These changes indicate an efficiently operated heating system — something assessors take into account.

5. Add Reflective Panels Behind Radiators

Radiator reflector panels help push heat back into the room rather than letting it escape through walls.

Benefits

  • Cheap and easy to install

  • Reduces heat loss

  • Shows proactive heat-retention efforts

A positive detail your assessor will notice.

6. Lag Exposed Hot Water Pipes

If you have exposed pipes near the boiler or cylinder, insulating them helps prevent heat loss.

Why it matters:

  • Improves hot water efficiency

  • Reduces overall heating demand

  • Costs very little and installs in seconds

This is another small upgrade that adds up during the assessment.

7. Improve Loft Hatch Insulation

Even if your loft is insulated, a poorly sealed hatch can leak heat.

Quick improvements:

  • Add a strip of insulation around the hatch

  • Ensure it closes tightly

  • Place a small insulation board on top

This addresses a common EPC red flag: poor insulation continuity.

8. Provide Documentation to the Assessor

If you’ve already made upgrades but haven’t documented them, your rating could drop unnecessarily.

Gather proof of:

  • Boiler installation date

  • Loft insulation thickness

  • Double glazing installation

  • Cavity wall insulation

  • Solar PV or heating upgrades

Without proof, an assessor must assume the lowest possible rating.
If you’re unsure what’s needed, our EPC Assessor Services page explains the process clearly.

9. Check Heating Controls

Functional heating controls can slightly improve your EPC rating.

Make sure:

  • Thermostats work properly

  • Room thermostats are not blocked

  • TRVs (radiator valves) turn freely

Even small adjustments make a noticeable impression during inspection.

10. Tidy Up Access Areas

EPC assessments require access to:

  • Loft spaces

  • Boilers

  • Hot water cylinders

  • Heating controls

  • Meters

A clear, accessible environment ensures a smoother inspection and reduces the chance of skipped elements that may lower your rating.

Want a Higher EPC Rating?

If you’re preparing your property for a sale, rental, or remortgage, a higher EPC rating can significantly increase value and compliance.

You can learn more about how EPCs work on our About Us Page or speak with a certified assessor through our Contact Page.
For pricing details, visit our EPC Pricing Guide.

Final Tip

These last-minute fixes are simple but surprisingly effective. Combined, they create a more efficient environment that assessors instantly recognise — helping you achieve a stronger EPC rating with minimal cost.

Email :info@epcrate.co.uk

Phone:020 34884142