It’s a frustrating truth for many homeowners and landlords: even if your electric heating system works perfectly, your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) may still give your property a poor rating. You may wonder — Why should a fully functional, safe, and cost-manageable electric heating system lower my EPC?

The answer lies in how EPCs are calculated — and how outdated electric systems are viewed under the UK’s EPC methodology.

⚡ What Counts as “Older” Electric Heating?

Older electric heating systems typically include:

  • Basic night storage heaters (especially unprogrammable or manual ones)

  • Panel heaters with no thermostats

  • Convector heaters or radiant bar heaters

  • Electric systems without room-by-room control

While these systems may still operate safely and consistently, they lack the efficiency and control now expected in modern energy assessments.

🧮 How EPCs Calculate Your Rating

EPCs use the RdSAP methodology, a simplified version of SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure), to score a home based on:

  • Energy efficiency of heating systems

  • Heat loss through the building fabric

  • Lighting efficiency

  • Secondary heating types

  • Control systems

Electric heating is often disadvantaged because it is assumed to be more expensive to run and less efficient in practice, particularly if the system is over 10–15 years old.

❌ Key Reasons Older Electric Heating Hurts Your EPC

1. Electricity Is Penalised as a Fuel Type

Despite the UK’s cleaner grid, RdSAP still uses a relatively high carbon factor for electricity. So, even if your electric heating draws from off-peak or green sources, it’s assessed as if it’s high-carbon and expensive.

2. Lack of Thermostatic or Zoned Controls

Older electric heaters rarely offer:

  • Programmable timers

  • Smart thermostats

  • Zoning by room
    These features are major points-earners in EPC scoring. Without them, your system is classed as uncontrolled or minimally controlled, which drags down your rating.

3. Heat Retention Is Poor

Night storage heaters lose heat throughout the day—even when not needed. In EPC calculations, this inefficiency causes excess energy use assumptions.

4. No Integration with Renewable Systems

Older electric systems generally can’t connect with solar PV, air-source heat pumps, or other efficient renewables. This isolates your heating from future upgrades and carbon-saving potential.

🏠 Case Example: Two Identical Flats, Different Ratings

  • Flat A: Uses 2005 manual storage heaters and plug-in convectors

  • Flat B: Upgraded to 2022 high-retention heaters with thermostats and Wi-Fi control

➡️ Flat A receives a D or E rating
➡️ Flat B earns a C or high B, even though both use electricity

This is because EPCs reward system efficiency and controllability, not just fuel type or basic functionality.

🛠️ What Can You Do?

✅ Book a Detailed EPC Survey

Choose assessors who understand how to properly record model numbers, thermostats, and supplementary systems.
📍 Schedule a certified EPC inspection today

✅ Upgrade to LOT20-Compliant Heaters

New electric systems must meet LOT20 legislation, meaning:

  • Built-in thermostats

  • Programmable timers

  • Smart sensors
    These raise your EPC score significantly.

📦 See if your system meets the standards with our EPC Assessor Guide

✅ Improve Insulation and Lighting

Because your heating is electric, reducing energy loss is key. Loft, floor, and wall insulation can significantly offset poor heater scores. So can upgrading to LED lighting, another factor in the EPC formula.

✅ Consider Renewables

Even partial installations (like solar PV for electricity) can boost your EPC score, especially when used with high-efficiency electric heating.

📉 Why This Matters for Homeowners & Landlords

A poor EPC from outdated electric systems can:

  • Block a sale or rental (EPC band E minimum now required for landlords)

  • Affect mortgage lending

  • Lower property value or rental appeal

Don’t let a functioning system cost you financially. It may work—but in EPC terms, it’s outdated.

🔗 Useful Resources

🧾 Final Thoughts

Your older electric heating system might be safe, functional, and affordable—but EPCs measure efficiency, not comfort. If you’re planning to rent, sell, or refinance your home, it’s worth updating your heating—or at least understanding how it will be scored.

👉 Book a qualified EPC assessor now and get expert advice on how to improve your rating without breaking the bank.

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