The certificate also provides an indication of the property’s energy performance and suggests possible changes to make it more efficient. These recommendations provide a useful starting point for homeowners by identifying areas of concern, rather than making them second-guess what upgrades might be beneficial. The EPC is usually valid for a period of 10 years but can be re-issued earlier by the owner if there are major changes to the house.
In England and Wales, property owners must have a valid Energy Performance Certificate for the majority of properties they sell or rent, with some exceptions. Landlords should be aware of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) currently in force and ensure that most private rented domestic properties covered by the regulations meet at least an E rating, unless there are exceptions. There are separate EPCs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
7 Practical Ways to Improve Your EPC Rating
Improve Loft Insulation to Reduce Heat Loss
In older properties, the roof may not be well insulated and will lose heat. If warm air is allowed to rise through an ineffectively insulated attic, the heating system must do more to keep the space at a comfortable temperature. This can lead to additional energy usage and result in the upper room being cooler compared to the lower room.
Attic insulation can be installed in these areas or added to existing attic insulation to help retain heat and save on energy consumption. Normally, 270mm of insulation is recommended for many houses, but the exact thickness and type of insulation should be determined based on the design of the roof and the thickness of the existing insulation. Actually, if you have insulation in your attic, it may be easier to add to the existing insulation than to start from scratch.
Replace Traditional Lighting with Energy Saving LED Lighting
Lighting seems like a small detail when compared to insulation or heating, but old light bulbs can use more electricity than modern alternatives. LED bulbs are a simple solution to reduce electricity consumption without changing the way you use the room, compared to traditional incandescent or halogen lamps.
LED bulbs come in a variety of brightness and color temperatures, and can be used in a number of settings, from the kitchen and office to the bedroom and living room. Start with rooms that have lights that stay on for long periods of time, as they may have the most practical benefits. The price for an individual bulb varies from several kilograms, depending on the specification and brand.
Draught Resistant Windows and Doors
Homes can lose warmth through small gaps. Spaces around window frames, exterior doors, floorboards and unused openings allow warm air to escape while releasing cooler air. This can be a problem that you can notice when the room feels uncomfortable, even when the heat is on.
Draught-proofing is one area that helps bridge the gap. Appropriate seals around window and door openings, draft excluders and carefully applied sealants can reduce unwanted air movement. Depending on the size and accessibility of the gap between the wood and the concrete, some homeowners can seal the gap, while others may need professional help.
All properties should be well ventilated to reduce humidity and maintain high indoor air quality, so if there are damp or condensation issues, these should be dealt with before extensive sealing work.
Install Modern Heating Controls
Even efficient boilers can waste energy when heating rooms unnecessarily. Existing heating systems may have limited control over heating or the portion of the home being heated. Controls now offer greater flexibility and allow homeowners to match heating schedules with life.
The programmer can be used to program the heating times, the room thermostat will control the desired room temperature, and the thermostatic radiator valve can be used to set the individual room temperature. Smart thermostats can provide even more convenience, giving you the option to use a mobile app to control your thermostat. Depending on your current heating and boiler system, the most suitable remedy will be the one on offer.
A full heating control suite is estimated to cost around £600 in a typical semi-detached house by the Energy Saving Trust. These controls can offer the possibility of saving heat when used in the right way and increase comfort. They can also help to improve the EPC rating, depending on the current system.
Upgrade Your Old Boiler or Try a Heat Pump
Many homes in the UK are affected by their energy performance with heating. An outdated or old boiler can use more fuel than necessary and an unsuitable or ineffective boiler can make it difficult to regulate room temperature. Upgrading your aging equipment to a modern, good-sized system can be an important part of improving your property’s energy efficiency.
A-rated condensing boilers or low carbon alternatives such as air source heat pumps are options for homeowners. A well-designed heating system, the right size of radiators or underfloor heating and suitable insulation in the property are essential for the heat pump to be effective, moving heat from the outside of the house to the interior.
Replace Inefficient Windows with Double or Triple Glazing
The thermal performance of the building is related to the windows. Single glazing can also allow heat to escape from the windows and cause cold spots on the windows, especially in winter, from older units. Modern double glazing will be more insulating, less draughty and more comfortable than its original counterpart.
Double and triple panes are made of double and triple panes, with insulating spacers in between. Extra layers can provide more thermal performance benefits but this will depend on the window specification and the quality of the installation and on the condition of the property itself.
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that double glazing for an A rating in a typical semi-detached house would cost around £4,800. This final cost will depend on the number of windows, type of frame material and installation needs. While this is a bigger investment than anti-draft lighting or LED lighting, energy efficient glazing can help improve a building’s energy performance and provide a better level of comfort for everyday use.
Install Solar Panels to Generate Renewable Electricity
In solar PV, people can use the light of the day to produce electricity, instead of relying on the national grid. The generated electricity can be used for home appliances, lighting, other equipment and can reduce the electricity consumption required from your electricity supplier. If there is an eligible export arrangement, you can also pay for the electricity exported to the grid.
Solar panel systems have several parameters to consider such as roof orientation, shading, available space and solar panel capacity. Often a roof with a South orientation can provide good conditions; But other roof orientations can be suitable. The price of a typical solar panel installation is estimated by the Energy Saving Trust to be around £7,600, but this will depend on the size of the system and equipment.
The implementation of solar panels can improve the energy efficiency of buildings by providing a clean source of energy and reducing the use of electricity from the grid. It may be sought after by buyers looking for reduced operating costs and an environmentally friendly home.
Can Improving Your EPC Rating Increase Property Value?
A better EPC will help the property look better, especially if it is marketed alongside other properties on the same road, size and specification. Energy efficiency is important because it affects the energy the household needs and the comfort of the home throughout the year. An insulated home with a newer heating system may also require closer work than a home with inadequate insulation and an older heating system.
Are There Government Grants for Energy Efficiency Improvements?
Homeowners are more likely to make improvements when the cost of insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy systems is high. However, there are a number of government schemes that provide financial support to eligible households. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England & Wales provides financial assistance for eligible heat pump installations and Home Warming: Local Grants in England for low carbon heating and energy efficiency improvements in eligible households.
The Energy Companies Obligation Scheme (ECO4) ends on 31 December 2026, so any household thinking about applying for support should ensure that it is available and meets the criteria. You can also check current EPC ratings and recommendations on GOV.UK before applying.
Conclusion
Improving your EPC rating does not require completing each upgrade at once. Start by reviewing existing certificates and identifying areas where your property is not performing well. If heat loss is a major concern, insulation and proofing may be worth considering before you invest in a new heating system. If your lighting and controls are outdated, relatively straightforward changes can provide a useful starting point.
If you are planning property improvements or need a valid certificate to sell or rent, working with an experienced appraiser can help you move forward with confidence. Visit EPC CERTS to learn more about our EPC assessment services and arrange an appointment.