What is a good EPC rating?

Band C or above is generally considered good. Many lenders and government targets aim for homes to reach EPC band C by 2035 where feasible.

How much can loft insulation improve my EPC?

Loft top-ups to 270mm are one of the most cost-effective measures and can often improve an EPC band on poorly insulated properties.

Do new boilers always improve EPC?

A modern condensing boiler with smart controls typically improves efficiency compared to older non-condensing models, which can lift EPC points; check your property’s heating type and fabric first.

Will solar panels improve my EPC?

Yes. Solar PV contributes to the EPC via on-site electricity generation and can materially increase the rating, particularly when paired with efficient heating.

I’m a landlord — what are my obligations?

England & Wales previously required rental properties to meet minimum EPC standards (historically E). Always check the current MEES/legislation and lender criteria when planning works.

How to Improve Your EPC Rating (UK Guide)

What is an EPC — and why improving it helps

An Energy Performance Certificate rates your home from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Improving your EPC can reduce bills, increase comfort and may boost property value or mortgage options.

Your EPC uses data on insulation, heating, glazing and any renewables. The assessor’s recommendations show which measures offer the best rating gain for your specific property. Start by getting an up-to-date EPC, then plan improvements and re-assess to lock in the higher band.

Low-cost quick wins (today & this weekend)

LED lighting everywhere: Replace all halogens/CFLs. EPCs still consider low-energy lighting share.
Draught proofing: Letterbox brushes, chimney balloons (if unused), door strips. Warmer rooms, lower heat loss.
Hot water efficiency: Fit a cylinder jacket (if you have a tank) and pipe lagging on exposed pipes.
Smart thermostats & schedules: Optimise heating times; add TRVs on radiators for room-by-room control.
Basic loft top-up: If safe/accessible, add extra mineral wool towards the 270mm target depth.

Pro tip: Keep receipts or product specs. Assessors can record verified measures which may improve your EPC score.

Fabric first: insulation that moves the needle

Insulation upgrades often give the best value per EPC point:

Loft insulation (to ~270mm): Affordable, quick; major impact on heat loss.
Cavity wall insulation: Great for homes with unfilled cavity walls; check suitability and ventilation.
Underfloor insulation: Useful for suspended timber floors; reduces draughts and heat loss.
Solid wall insulation: Internal or external; larger cost but strong results on older solid-wall homes.
Glazing & doors: Modern double/triple glazing helps, especially replacing single glazing.

Always use competent installers and follow ventilation guidance to avoid condensation issues.

Heating systems & smart controls

Heating efficiency is central to EPC scoring:

High-efficiency condensing boiler: If your current boiler is old/non-condensing, upgrading plus weather compensation and smart controls can raise your rating.
Heat pumps (air/ground): Excellent efficiency when paired with good insulation. Works best with low-flow-temperature radiators or UFH.
Controls: Smart thermostat, TRVs, zoning and flow temperature optimisation improve real-world and assessed performance.

Renewables: solar PV & more

Solar PV directly contributes to EPC by generating electricity on-site. Battery storage can increase self-consumption (not directly scored but beneficial). Solar thermal can help with hot water in suitable homes.

Evidence for your re-assessment:

Invoices with install dates & specs (insulation depth, boiler model, PV kWp).
Photos before/after where relevant (e.g., loft insulation depth).
Certificates: MCS, building regs, guarantees.

Typical costs, payback & EPC band movement

Measure	Typical Cost (UK)	Impact on EPC	Notes
LED lighting	£1–£3 per bulb	Small	Easy win; complete house coverage helps.
Draught proofing	£30–£150	Small–Medium	Comfort boost; reduces uncontrolled ventilation.
Loft insulation to 270mm	£400–£800	Medium–High	One of the best value upgrades.
Cavity wall insulation	£1,000–£1,500	Medium–High	Check suitability; ensure vents maintained.
Underfloor insulation	£800–£2,000	Medium	Great for suspended timber floors.
High-efficiency boiler + controls	£2,000–£4,000	Medium–High	Bigger benefits replacing very old systems.
Heat pump (with good fabric)	£6,000–£12,000	High	Check grants; low-temperature emitters help.
Solar PV (e.g., 3–4kWp)	£5,000–£7,500	Medium–High	Strong EPC gains; reduces bills.
Glazing upgrades	£3,000–£10,000	Medium	Helpful with other fabric measures.

Costs vary by property and region. Grants/finance schemes may apply — always check current availability.

For landlords: compliance & planning

Check current MEES/lender requirements. Rules have evolved; aim for Band C long term.
Prioritise fabric first, then systems. It’s usually the most cost-effective path to band uplift.
Phase works between tenancies. Reduce disruption and capture EPC gains before re-letting.
Keep documentation. You’ll need proof for EPC re-assessment and compliance checks.

Tips by property type

Victorian/Edwardian (solid walls)

Loft insulation; underfloor insulation if suspended timber.
Internal/External wall insulation for larger jumps.
High-efficiency boiler or heat pump (post-insulation).

1930s–1980s (cavity walls)

Fill cavities; top up loft to 270mm.
Smart controls/TRVs; glazing upgrades as needed.
Consider solar PV for additional uplift.

Modern homes (already insulated)

Optimise controls and flow temperatures.
Solar PV/battery for biggest improvement.
Check ventilation balance after airtightness works.

Flats

Focus on glazing, draughts, and heating controls.
Freeholder permission may be needed for fabric changes.

Your EPC improvement checklist

📄 Book an EPC to establish your baseline.
💡 Replace all bulbs with LEDs.
🧣 Draught proof doors, windows, letterbox; insulate hot water pipes and tank.
🧱 Top up loft insulation; add cavity/underfloor insulation where suitable.
🔥 Upgrade to a high-efficiency boiler or consider a heat pump.
📱 Add smart thermostat, TRVs and proper zoning.
☀️ Consider solar PV (and battery if desired).
🧾 Keep all invoices/specs and photos.
✅ Rebook your EPC to capture the improvements.

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How to Improve Your EPC Rating