As the deadline for improved EPC standards approaches, landlords are searching for ways to enhance property energy efficiency without triggering expensive renovations. For older homes—especially those with solid walls and period features—the traditional approach of insulation upgrades or window replacements can be financially burdensome and logistically difficult.
But upgrading doesn’t have to mean major disruption. Many rental properties can achieve substantial EPC improvements through targeted, internal upgrades that preserve architectural integrity. This is especially true when it comes to windows, which are often the weakest link in thermal performance.
For landlords managing active tenancies or portfolios with high occupancy rates, large-scale renovations carry significant drawbacks. They often result in void periods due to tenant disruption, face planning permission barriers in conservation areas, and can introduce unexpected costs tied to structural complexities. Worse yet, they may interfere with heritage details that reduce long-term resale value.
The goal, then, is to achieve EPC compliance while avoiding intrusive interventions—particularly in flats, tenement units, or period terraces where exterior changes aren’t feasible.
In most EPC assessments, windows contribute a measurable portion of a property’s energy loss. Single-glazed sash or casement windows are penalised heavily—even if the rest of the home has been updated.
However, replacing these windows is often not allowed in listed buildings, prohibitively expensive, and an aesthetic compromise. That’s why internal retrofits like secondary glazing are gaining attention as a legal, non-invasive, and cost-effective solution.
AirShield Glazing Panels are an ideal tool for landlords seeking fast, reversible window insulation. Designed to fit existing sash or casement windows, these custom acrylic panels add an insulating air layer without altering the window frame.
They require no screws, adhesives, or drilling. Installation is tool-free and push-fit, making it suitable for active tenancies. The panels are removable for cleaning, tenant changeover, or inspection and are visually discreet with a crystal-clear finish.
These panels allow landlords to retain the original window—essential for listed or conservation properties—while improving EPC scores and thermal comfort.
Key benefits of installation include:
AirShield Glazing Panels are built for DIY or light-touch professional installation, often requiring less than 10 minutes per window. There’s no mess, noise, or dust. Panels can be removed and reinstalled during maintenance cycles.
For HMOs and multi-unit rentals, this ease of rollout makes AirShield particularly attractive. One panel at a time, landlords can incrementally upgrade properties with minimal disruption.
Window insulation via AirShield can generate 3 to 6 EPC points, depending on the current state of the property. This may mean the difference between a Band D and Band C, which is a crucial threshold in upcoming rental legislation.
Tenants benefit too—fewer draughts during colder months, lower heating bills (especially important in rent-inclusive units), and improved acoustic insulation from street noise. Landlords in cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London—where many homes feature period windows—have adopted AirShield as a key part of their compliance plan.
Let’s compare the numbers:
| Upgrade Option | Average Cost | Disruption | Planning Needed | EPC Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full window replacement | £7,000+ | High | Often yes | High (but costly) |
| Cavity wall insulation | £3,000–£6,000 | Medium | Sometimes | Moderate |
| AirShield Glazing Panels | £1,500–£2,500 | Low | No | Moderate–High |
This type of upgrade delivers maximum benefit per pound spent, while remaining fully reversible and non-invasive—fitting within both legal and tenant constraints.
AirShield works well with a phased approach:
One of the greatest advantages of AirShield Glazing Panels is their modular installation model. There’s no need to retrofit the entire property at once. Landlords can start with the coldest or most exposed rooms, use EPC assessments to identify high-loss window areas, and scale across their portfolio based on urgency or tenant churn.
This flexibility makes it ideal for multi-property landlords or those managing older stock with limited upgrade windows between tenancies.
Upgrading window insulation no longer means replacing historic sashes or tearing up walls. With tools like AirShield Glazing Panels, landlords can stay ahead of compliance deadlines without undertaking costly structural work.
Instead of committing to disruptive renovations, internal solutions offer faster compliance, lower costs, and improved tenant satisfaction. AirShield Glazing Panels are proof that you don’t need to compromise on aesthetics, tenant comfort, or your bottom line to meet EPC goals.
As the clock ticks toward stricter EPC requirements, it’s time to rethink how we define energy improvements. Could your property gain 5 EPC points without a single planning application?
Window insulation might be your fastest win—and AirShield Glazing Panels are designed to deliver it with minimal effort, maximum impact, and zero long-term risk.
