5 Practical Steps to Make Your Property More Energy Efficient
Improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can boost your property’s value and lower your energy bills.
Here are 5 practical upgrades that can lead to real improvements on the EPC scale, from small insulation fixes to efficient heating solutions. Whether you’re a homeowner or landlord, these fixes are achievable and effective.
Find out if you are eligible for free government funded upgrades such as insulation or heating measures through Consumer Rights to increase your EPC rating.
Step 1: Install or Upgrade Loft Insulation
Why it matters:
Up to 25% of heat loss in uninsulated homes occurs through the roof. Installing 270mm of insulation in the loft can have a significant impact on energy performance.
Typical EPC impact:
This can raise the rating by a full band, particularly in older homes.
What to do:
Check existing insulation thickness. If it is below 100mm, upgrading it to current standards may result in a measurable improvement on your EPC.
Step 2: Improve The Heating System
Why it matters:
Boilers are a central factor in EPC calculations. Older, non-condensing boilers are significantly less efficient because they allow heat to escape through the flue, typically operating at only 60–70% efficiency. Modern A-rated condensing boilers recover heat from exhaust gases and reuse it to heat water, achieving efficiencies of over 90%. When fitted with programmers and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), these boilers can greatly improve a property’s EPC rating. Low-carbon alternatives, such as air source heat pumps (ASHPs), biomass boilers, or solar thermal panels, can also significantly enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a higher EPC rating.
Typical EPC impact:
Improving the heating system can raise the rating by 1 band or more, especially in smaller homes with outdated systems.
What to do:
Replace boilers older than 12 years with an A-rated model, or consider low-carbon alternatives such as ASHPs, biomass boilers, or solar thermal panels.
Step 3: Add Wall Insulation
Why it matters:
Cavity walls, typically found in properties built after 1920, can be filled with insulation to reduce heat loss by up to 35%. For solid walls, internal wall insulation can be added.
Typical EPC impact:
Adding wall insulation can significantly improve the EPC rating, especially in homes that are already relatively energy efficient.
What to do:
Check whether your property has cavity or solid walls, this information is usually listed on your EPC. Then, install cavity wall insulation or internal/external insulation for solid walls as appropriate.
Step 4: Upgrade to Low-Energy Lighting
Why it matters:
The EPC includes a metric based on the percentage of fixed lighting that uses low-energy lights (such as LED or CFL).
Typical EPC impact:
Marginal, but it can make a difference in edge cases where a small improvement could secure a higher rating (for example, moving from band E to D).
What to do:
Replace all ceiling and wall-mounted bulbs with low-energy lights (LEDs). Check light fittings during property inspections to ensure all rooms meet the standard.
Step 5: Install a Smart Heating Control System
Why it matters:
Smart thermostats, zoning systems, and intelligent heating controls are now recognised in EPC assessments under certain software versions.
Typical EPC impact:
Moderate, can improve efficiency without replacing the boiler.
What to do:
Install a system that provides automatic time and temperature control, ideally with zonal regulation. Systems such as Hive, Nest, or Tado° may qualify.
Actionable Recommendations
- View your EPC to see the recommendations specific to your property.
Improving your EPC rating can:
- Increase property value.
- Reduce energy bills.
- Help you comply with rental regulations.
Additional Notes
- EPC regulations are evolving: The government is consulting on changes to the EPC system, including new metrics for fabric performance, heating systems, smart readiness, and energy cost, with implementation expected from 2026.
- Current minimum EPC rating for rentals: E (but proposals are to raise this to C for new tenancies from 2028 and all tenancies from 2030).
People Also Asked
What can improve EPC?
To boost your EPC rating, focus on improving insulation, energy-efficient heating and lighting, and incorporating renewable energy. Key measures include adding loft and wall insulation, fitting double-glazed windows, upgrading to a condensing boiler, switching to LED lighting, installing smart heating controls, and considering solar panels.
How much does it cost to improve a property's EPC rating?
The cost varies depending on the upgrades needed. Loft insulation might cost £400–£800, cavity wall insulation £1,000–£2,500, and a new boiler £2,000–£4,000. Installing solar panels can add around £4,000–£7,000. Overall, costs depend on your property’s condition and how many improvements are required.
How to upgrade from EPC D to C?
The best way to upgrade from an EPC D to a C rating depends entirely on your property’s current features and condition. You can find specific recommendations by checking your EPC report, which lists tailored improvements such as better insulation, a more efficient boiler, or upgraded windows. You can use our EPC checker to view your current rating or find an accredited assessor to help you make the right upgrades.
What will fail an EPC?
An existing property can’t technically “fail” an EPC, but it can receive a very low rating, such as a G, if it’s highly inefficient.
Does central heating improve EPC?
Yes, installing central heating, especially a modern gas system or heat pump, can greatly improve your EPC rating, as it’s more efficient than older boilers or electric storage heaters. A new high-efficiency condensing boiler alone can increase an EPC rating by up to 40 points, making the property more energy-efficient and attractive.
Does double glazing improve EPC?
Yes, replacing single-glazed windows with double or triple glazing can improve a property’s EPC rating.
Does cavity wall insulation improve EPC?
Yes, cavity wall insulation can greatly improve a property’s EPC rating by reducing heat loss through walls, making the home more energy-efficient. The improvement varies by property type and condition.
Is EPC rating D good?
An EPC rating of D is the most common rating for homes in the UK, meaning your property’s energy efficiency is fairly typical. However, most homeowners and landlords now aim for a C rating.
Does a combi boiler improve EPC rating?
Yes, upgrading an old or inefficient boiler to a modern, energy-efficient combi boiler can boost your EPC rating by lowering energy use and running costs. The improvement depends on the new boiler’s efficiency relative to the old one, as well as the property’s fuel type and overall insulation.
ECO4 has now come to an end
If you’re looking for information about grants and funding currently available, please visit our Grant Funding page to explore the latest options.
Useful Resources:
Cost of Living Support Available:
- Household Support Fund (England)
- Cost of Living Payments
- Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
- Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
- Council Tax Reduction
ECO4 Support Available:
- Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
- Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
- UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
- Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
Other Support Available:
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