When homeowners or landlords think about improving their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, they often jump straight to major upgrades like new boilers or solar panels. While these can help, EPC assessments regularly reveal that smaller, overlooked improvements often deliver disproportionately strong results—sometimes enough to push a property into a higher EPC band.

Our experienced EPC Assessors in London frequently see properties missing out on valuable EPC points simply because these easy wins are ignored:
👉 https://epcrate.co.uk/services-epc-assessors-london/

1. Heating Controls (One of the Biggest Missed Opportunities)

Many homes have relatively modern heating systems but lack proper controls, which EPC methodology heavily penalises.

Overlooked upgrades include:

  • Programmable room thermostats

  • Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) on all radiators

  • Time and temperature zoning

  • Correctly configured smart thermostats

These upgrades are low-cost, quick to install, and can significantly improve EPC scores—often more efficiently than replacing the boiler itself.

2. Full LED Fixed Lighting Coverage

Homeowners often assume that changing a few bulbs is enough. EPCs, however, assess permanent fixed lighting, not table lamps or decorative lights.

What assessors look for:

  • Energy-efficient fixed lighting in all main rooms

  • Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and external fixed lights

  • No remaining halogen or incandescent bulbs in permanent fittings

A property with partial LED lighting can lose points unnecessarily, even though the fix is simple and inexpensive.

👉 View EPC pricing and guidance:
https://epcrate.co.uk/pricing/

3. Insulation Depth and Visibility

Many properties technically have insulation—but not enough to score well.

Commonly overlooked issues:

  • Loft insulation below current recommended depth

  • Insulation that has shifted or compacted over time

  • Insulation that isn’t clearly visible to the assessor

Topping up loft insulation or providing clear evidence of existing insulation can unlock EPC points that were previously missed.

4. Hot Water Cylinder Insulation

This is a classic EPC blind spot.

If your property has:

  • A hot water cylinder without a fitted insulation jacket

  • Pipework without insulation

You are likely losing EPC points unnecessarily. Adding a cylinder jacket and insulating pipes is cheap, fast, and EPC-friendly.

5. Draught-Proofing (Especially in Older Homes)

Draughts don’t just make a home uncomfortable—they also affect EPC calculations related to heat loss.

Often overlooked areas:

  • Gaps around doors and windows

  • Letterboxes and keyholes

  • Floorboards in older properties

While draught-proofing isn’t always a headline EPC recommendation, it supports better fabric performance and complements insulation upgrades.

6. Evidence and Documentation (The Invisible Upgrade)

One of the most overlooked EPC improvements isn’t physical at all—it’s documentation.

Assessors can only credit what they can verify. Missing evidence often results in:

  • Insulation being assumed absent

  • Boilers scored as older or inefficient

  • Renewable systems not being fully recognised

Always provide:

  • Installation certificates

  • Invoices

  • Manufacturer specifications

  • Photos of hidden insulation

👉 Learn more about EPC assessments:
https://epcrate.co.uk/about-us-epc-company-london/

7. Heating System Optimisation (Not Replacement)

Replacing a boiler isn’t always necessary.

Overlooked improvements include:

  • Correct boiler flow temperature settings

  • Proper radiator balancing

  • Ensuring controls are fully integrated

These changes improve real efficiency and ensure the system scores as well as it should during assessment.

8. Window and Door Sealing (Not Always Replacement)

While full window replacement can be costly, EPCs also recognise:

  • Secondary glazing

  • Properly sealed frames

  • Reduced draughts

These measures improve thermal performance without the expense of full replacement.

9. Why These Improvements Matter

Overlooked EPC upgrades matter because they:

  • Deliver high EPC points for low cost

  • Prevent properties from falling just short of the next EPC band

  • Improve comfort and reduce energy bills

  • Support landlord compliance

  • Increase buyer confidence

Many properties fail to move from Band D to C simply because these small details were missed.

10. When to Re-Assess

Once overlooked improvements are completed:

  1. Gather all documentation

  2. Ensure systems are visible and operational

  3. Book an EPC re-assessment

👉 Book your EPC assessment here:
https://epcrate.co.uk/booking/

Conclusion

The biggest EPC gains don’t always come from the biggest spending. Heating controls, lighting, insulation verification, draught-proofing, and documentation are among the most overlooked EPC improvements—and they often deliver the best return on investment.

Key Takeaways

  • Small upgrades can unlock large EPC gains

  • Controls and lighting are among the cheapest EPC wins

  • Evidence is just as important as installation

  • Strategic improvements prevent wasted spending

  • Proper planning can move properties up an EPC band

By focusing on these overlooked improvements, homeowners and landlords can achieve real EPC results without unnecessary cost.