Re-assessing your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) without proper planning is one of the most common mistakes homeowners and landlords make. Many invest in upgrades, only to see minimal improvement in their EPC rating, simply because the right steps weren’t taken beforehand.

A successful EPC re-assessment depends on strategy, sequencing, and evidence. With the right preparation, even modest upgrades can deliver significant EPC band improvements. Our experienced EPC Assessors in London regularly help clients plan upgrades that actually count:
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1. Understand Why Your Current EPC Score Is Low

Before making any changes, start with your existing EPC report. It contains valuable information, including:

  • Current EPC band and score

  • Energy efficiency breakdown

  • Cost-effective improvement recommendations

  • Estimated score improvement for each measure

Many people skip this step and make upgrades blindly. EPC improvements must target high-impact areas, not cosmetic or low-scoring changes.

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2. Prioritise High-Impact EPC Improvements

Not all upgrades influence EPC scores equally. Focus first on improvements that EPC calculations heavily reward:

Top EPC Impact Areas

  • Loft and wall insulation

  • Heating system efficiency

  • Heating controls (thermostats, TRVs)

  • Hot water system efficiency

  • Double glazing and draught control

Low-impact upgrades (like appliances or décor changes) should come later, if at all.

3. Start with Insulation Before Anything Else

Insulation is one of the biggest EPC score drivers and should always be addressed first.

Key checks:

  • Loft insulation depth meets current standards

  • Cavity walls are insulated (where applicable)

  • Solid walls have internal or external insulation if feasible

  • Hot water cylinders and pipes are insulated

If insulation exists but isn’t visible or accessible, it may not be credited during reassessment—visibility matters.

4. Review Your Heating System and Controls

Heating efficiency plays a central role in EPC scoring. Before reassessment, check:

  • Boiler age and efficiency rating

  • Presence of a programmer or smart thermostat

  • Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) on radiators

  • Zoning or room-by-room temperature control

You don’t always need a full boiler replacement—upgrading controls alone can push a property up an EPC band.

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5. Upgrade Lighting to 100% LED

This is one of the simplest and cheapest EPC improvements, yet many properties still miss out.

Before reassessment:

  • Replace all fixed lighting with LED bulbs

  • Ensure permanent fittings use energy-efficient lamps

  • Check external fixed lighting too

Partial LED coverage still results in lost EPC points. Aim for full compliance.

6. Address Windows, Doors, and Draughts

Windows and doors affect heat retention and EPC calculations. Before re-assessment:

  • Seal gaps around frames and thresholds

  • Install draught-proofing strips

  • Add secondary glazing where replacement isn’t possible

  • Ensure glazing type is correctly identified (double vs single)

Even older double glazing can underperform if draughts are present.

7. Gather Evidence Before the Assessor Arrives

One of the most overlooked EPC planning steps is documentation.

Useful evidence includes:

  • Boiler installation certificates

  • Insulation invoices or guarantees

  • Manufacturer specifications

  • Photos of hidden insulation (if accessible)

Without evidence, assessors must apply default assumptions, often reducing your score unnecessarily.

8. Consider Renewable Energy (If Feasible)

Renewable energy systems can significantly improve EPC ratings—but only when installed strategically.

Options include:

  • Solar PV panels

  • Solar hot water systems

  • Heat pumps (in suitable properties)

These upgrades work best after insulation and heating efficiency have been addressed. Renewables alone won’t compensate for poor fundamentals.

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9. Avoid Common Re-Assessment Mistakes

Before booking your re-assessment, avoid these frequent errors:

  • Re-assessing too soon after upgrades

  • Missing small but high-value changes (LEDs, TRVs)

  • Ignoring documentation requirements

  • Spending on low-impact improvements

  • Assuming comfort equals efficiency

Timing and preparation are crucial for maximising results.

10. When to Book Your EPC Re-Assessment

Book your reassessment only when:

  • All planned upgrades are complete

  • Evidence is gathered and accessible

  • No further efficiency work is pending

This ensures every improvement is captured and avoids the cost of multiple assessments.

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Conclusion

Re-assessing your EPC without a plan often leads to disappointment. However, when improvements are strategic, sequenced, and documented, EPC re-assessments can deliver real, measurable gains.

Key Takeaways

  • Always review your current EPC first

  • Prioritise insulation and heating controls

  • Don’t overlook lighting and draught-proofing

  • Evidence is just as important as upgrades

  • Book reassessment only when fully prepared

With the right approach, many properties can improve one or even two EPC bands without major renovation—boosting value, compliance, and market appeal.

Email :info@epcrate.co.uk

Phone:020 34884142