The UK government is set to enforce more stringent Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards across the private rental sector. For landlords, this means ensuring their properties achieve a minimum EPC Band C rating by 2028 in Scotland (pending confirmation) and 2030 across the rest of the UK.
This regulation is a response to broader climate goals. Heating and energy inefficiencies in older properties contribute significantly to domestic carbon emissions. Windows—especially single-glazed sash windows—remain one of the most common causes of heat loss. But does that mean landlords must commit to full window replacement? Not necessarily.
On paper, upgrading to double glazing sounds like a straightforward solution. But in practice, it’s often costly, complex, and not always allowed—particularly in properties with period features, conservation area protections, or listed status.
The challenges include:
Moreover, many flats—especially tenement and leasehold properties—lack ownership over the building’s exterior, making full replacements legally and logistically impossible.
EPC assessments consider several components when calculating a home’s energy efficiency, including insulation, heating systems, lighting, and glazing. For glazing, assessors evaluate thermal transmittance (U-value) and air tightness.
Single-glazed timber windows, while architecturally significant, score poorly due to:
While window replacement may improve these scores significantly, alternative methods like secondary glazing can achieve similar results—without altering the structure.
Secondary glazing works by adding a discreet internal panel to the existing window frame, creating a sealed air gap. This air pocket acts as an insulating barrier—reducing heat transfer, eliminating draughts, and even lowering noise levels.
Unlike traditional double glazing, secondary glazing is non-invasive and doesn’t require planning permission, making it particularly well-suited to:
Among the secondary glazing systems available, AirShield Glazing Panels are designed specifically with compliance, conservation, and ease of use in mind.
They feature:
Because of their tool-free push-fit design, AirShield Glazing Panels can be installed during tenancy without disturbing the tenant’s daily life. For landlords, this means immediate improvement in window performance—and a practical route to EPC Band C.
On average, properties with older sash windows can experience a 3–6 point EPC uplift by adding effective internal glazing. This can often bridge the gap between Band D and Band C—critical for future rental compliance.
In combination with other small interventions (e.g. LED lighting, loft insulation), the inclusion of AirShield can:
Many landlords across Scotland and England have already used AirShield installations to raise their property’s rating into a compliant range without the high cost of full retrofits.
For time-pressed or portfolio landlords, the appeal of AirShield lies in its simplicity. No external permissions. No downtime between tenants. And no structural changes. This is particularly helpful in:
AirShield Glazing Panels offer a legally compliant route to thermal upgrades without breaching landlord or heritage obligations.
Let’s look at how AirShield compares financially to other compliance options:
| Upgrade Type | Cost Estimate | Planning Needed | Tenant Disruption | EPC Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Double Glazing | £5,000–£7,000 | Often Yes | High | High |
| Loft & Floor Insulation | £2,000–£4,000 | Sometimes | Medium | Moderate–High |
| AirShield Glazing Panels | £1,500–£2,500 | No | Very Low | Moderate–High |
AirShield makes it feasible to prioritise the highest-loss rooms first, allowing landlords to phase compliance across multiple units.
As regulations become clearer over the next year, landlords who take early action will avoid a last-minute scramble—and likely benefit from higher property values and tenant satisfaction.
Even if the final EPC requirement dates shift, the need for more efficient housing will not. Early adopters of internal retrofits like AirShield will be better positioned to:
With AirShield Glazing Panels, it’s possible to meet EPC goals without the upheaval of external changes. If you’re facing regulatory deadlines in the next few years, ask yourself: could a simpler, reversible solution do the job just as well?
More and more landlords are choosing internal fixes over full-scale renovations—and AirShield Glazing Panels offer one of the most effective tools to make that strategy work.
