EPC guide
How to improve your EPC rating
Whether you are preparing to sell, getting a rental ready for tighter standards, or simply cutting your energy bills, raising your EPC rating is usually more affordable than people expect. This guide runs through the changes that move the needle, roughly in order of cost.
EPC ratings run from A (most efficient) to G, based on a score from 1 to 100. Crucially, the assessment rewards a fabric-first approach: keeping heat inside the building generally counts for more than the appliances within it.
Tip: ask your assessor for the recommendations report that comes with every EPC. It lists the specific measures for your property and the estimated rating gain for each.
Quick, low-cost wins
- Switch to LED lighting. Replacing any remaining halogen or incandescent bulbs is cheap and instant, and the assessment gives credit for the proportion of low-energy lighting.
- Draught-proof. Seal gaps around doors, windows and floorboards to stop warm air escaping.
- Insulate the hot water cylinder. A modern insulating jacket on an older cylinder is a small spend for a real efficiency gain.
- Add heating controls. A room thermostat, a programmer and thermostatic radiator valves let you heat only what you need, and the EPC recognises them.
Insulation: the biggest fabric gains
- Loft insulation. Topping up to the recommended depth (around 270mm) is one of the most cost-effective upgrades available.
- Cavity wall insulation. If your home has unfilled cavity walls, filling them can noticeably lift the score.
- Solid wall insulation. More expensive, but for older solid-wall homes it can be the single biggest improvement, fitted internally or externally.
Heating and hot water
An old, inefficient boiler drags a rating down. A modern condensing boiler with good controls helps, and low-carbon heating such as a heat pump scores well on newer assessments. Because heating is a large part of the calculation, getting it right matters — though it is rarely the cheapest place to start.
Windows and renewables
Double glazing, or secondary glazing where double is not permitted, reduces heat loss and is viewed favourably. Solar panels generate energy on site and can give a strong uplift, particularly when combined with good insulation.
Make the improvements count
An EPC only reflects work that has actually been done and assessed, so your rating will not change until a new certificate is lodged. Once your improvements are complete, book a fresh assessment to capture the higher score — especially important for landlords meeting the standards covered in our guide to landlord EPC rules.