Landlords urged to review heating systems ahead of EPC reforms

A firm is warning that outdated heating systems could become a costly mistake for landlords under the government’s proposed EPC reforms.

Electric Radiators Direct is urging landlords to review their heating systems, particularly older storage heaters, as the government plans to overhaul the way Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are assessed.

Under the proposed changes, EPCs will be based on the Home Energy Model (HEM), which is expected to place greater weight on the efficiency of a property’s heating system rather than simply its running costs.

Oversight could become a costly mistake

According to the firm, fewer than half of rental properties (48%) meet EPC C standards. With the government proposing that all private rented sector (PRS) properties reach EPC C by 2030, the firm is urging landlords to prepare sooner rather than later.

Ben Rawson, energy efficiency expert at Electric Radiators Direct, says that despite landlords upgrading insulation, they may be overlooking one key area.

He said: “Many landlords assume they’re EPC compliant because they’ve upgraded insulation or glazing, however, inefficient or poorly controlled heating systems can undo that work entirely.

“As enforcement tightens under new government regulations, this oversight could quickly become a costly mistake.”

He explained: “Many rental properties still rely on older night storage heaters, particularly in flats. While originally designed to make use of off-peak tariffs, these systems often struggle to align with modern-day living patterns.

“Older storage heaters typically release heat when it is not needed, offer limited temperature control, and require costly daytime ‘boost’ functions. They also lack compatibility with smart controls, which are expected to be recognised under the new assessment model.”

Landlords should start upgrading now

Mr Rawson recommends landlords upgrade storage heaters to modern high heat retention (HHR) storage heaters or electric radiators.

He says HHR heaters store heat more efficiently and release it in a controlled way throughout the day, while electric radiators feature thermostats that allow heating to be scheduled room by room, helping match heat output to actual usage.

Both systems can integrate with smart controls, which are expected to be better recognised under the Home Energy Model (HEM).

Mr Rawson adds landlords should start upgrading their properties before the 2030 deadline.

He said: “Upgrades completed now can secure compliance for the lifespan of their current EPC, which is typically up to ten years.

“With tighter enforcement expected and assessment methods evolving, waiting until the deadline could increase both cost and complexity.

“For landlords managing electrically heated properties, reviewing existing systems now may help avoid unexpected shortfalls when EPCs are next reassessed, and help stretch the cost of improvements over the next couple of years.”