Older rental properties—particularly those built between the 1920s and 1970s—often come with beautiful period features, but also outdated energy performance. These homes typically feature solid walls, single glazing, and poor insulation, making them a liability in the face of incoming EPC regulations. For landlords managing such stock, retrofitting becomes essential, yet the costs and complexity of full renovations can be overwhelming.
The key is to focus on high-impact, low-disruption upgrades that balance compliance with cost and tenant convenience.
Not all retrofits deliver the same value. For landlords, the most strategic upgrades are those that enhance the property's thermal envelope, don't require planning permission or structural changes, and can be implemented quickly between tenancies.
Examples of smart, landlord-friendly upgrades include:
Each of these can contribute meaningfully to EPC uplift—especially when combined strategically.
Windows are among the biggest culprits for heat loss in older properties, especially if they’re original single-glazed timber sash or casement units. While full replacement may seem like the solution, this option is often blocked by planning restrictions or leasehold limitations—and even when possible, it’s expensive.
An easier path is secondary glazing, which improves thermal and acoustic performance without touching the external window frame. These systems seal in heat, reduce draughts, and allow for compliance improvements without aesthetic compromise.
AirShield Glazing Panels offer an ideal alternative to window replacement for landlords looking to quickly boost energy performance. These made-to-measure, tool-free panels sit inside existing windows and can be installed with no professional help.
Benefits include:
Since these panels don’t interfere with the property’s exterior, they are well-suited for flats, listed buildings, or homes in conservation areas.
Consider a 1930s two-bedroom flat with original windows and electric heating. By implementing a few targeted upgrades:
…it’s possible to move from an EPC Band D (score 60) to a Band C (score 72), with minimal disruption and no invasive renovations.
This approach keeps the character of the home intact while reducing future rental risk under evolving MEES regulations.
Comfort isn’t just about compliance—it’s about retention. Happy tenants stay longer, take better care of the property, and report fewer issues. Secondary glazing helps deliver a quieter, warmer space, even in noisy urban areas or buildings with older heating systems.
Landlords using AirShield report improved tenant satisfaction thanks to better insulation, lower bills, and reduced condensation. These outcomes are valuable for any portfolio, whether you manage one property or 100.
Energy performance improvements don’t have to be expensive or invasive. For landlords managing older homes, particularly those in historic districts or leasehold flats, AirShield Glazing Panels offer a smart, fast, and flexible way to prepare for EPC compliance.
Rather than waiting for planning permission or committing to costly renovations, consider starting with what you can control. The return on comfort, compliance, and tenant experience could far exceed the investment.
If you’re looking to meet the 2028–2030 targets while maintaining your rental property’s charm, isn’t it time to look inward—literally—and seal the gains with a more efficient window solution?
