How to Improve Your EPC Rating
Improving your EPC rating can significantly reduce energy bills, increase property value, and help meet rental regulations. This guide covers the most effective improvements ranked by cost-effectiveness, with realistic costs and expected savings for UK homeowners.
Why Improve Your EPC Rating?
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating directly affects your energy bills, property value, and—if you're a landlord—whether you can legally rent your property. Here's why improvement matters:
- Lower energy bills: Moving from D to C saves approximately £400/year
- Higher property value: Each EPC band improvement adds 1-3% to property value
- Rental compliance: Properties must be rated E or above to rent (C from 2030)
- Comfort: Better insulation means warmer winters and cooler summers
- Environmental impact: Lower carbon footprint from reduced energy use
Top 10 EPC Improvements (Ranked by Cost-Effectiveness)
Loft Insulation Top-Up
Increase existing insulation to 270mm+
What's Involved
If you have less than 270mm of loft insulation, topping up is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. Heat rises, and up to 25% of home heat is lost through an uninsulated roof.
Best For
- Properties with existing thin insulation
- Easy DIY option
- Minimal disruption
Grants Available
Often free under ECO4 or Great British Insulation Scheme for eligible households.
Cavity Wall Insulation
Fill the gap between your walls
Draught-Proofing
Seal gaps around doors, windows and floors
LED Lighting Throughout
Replace all bulbs with LEDs
Smart Heating Controls
Thermostatic radiator valves and smart thermostat
Boiler Upgrade
Replace with A-rated condensing boiler
Double Glazing
Replace single-glazed windows
Solar PV Panels
Generate your own electricity
Heat Pump Installation
Replace boiler with air source heat pump
Solid Wall Insulation
Internal or external insulation for solid walls
What to Prioritise Based on Your Current Rating
Rating D → C (Most Common)
Focus on: Loft insulation top-up, cavity wall insulation (if not done), draught-proofing, LED lighting, and smart heating controls.
Budget: £1,000-£3,000 | Expected savings: £300-£500/year
Rating E → C
Focus on: Cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, boiler upgrade, double glazing replacement, and comprehensive draught-proofing.
Budget: £5,000-£15,000 | Expected savings: £500-£900/year
Rating F/G → E (Minimum for Rental)
Focus on: All basic insulation measures, heating system upgrade, window replacement. Consider solid wall insulation for maximum impact.
Budget: £10,000-£30,000+ | Expected savings: £800-£1,500/year
Available Grants and Funding
ECO4 Scheme
Free or subsidised insulation and heating upgrades for eligible households. Check eligibility based on benefits received or household income.
Great British Insulation Scheme
Grants for cavity wall and loft insulation for properties in council tax bands A-D in England, or A-E in Scotland and Wales.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
£7,500 grant towards heat pump installation, available for most homeowners replacing gas or oil boilers.
Local Authority Grants
Many councils offer additional funding. Search "[your council] energy efficiency grants" for local schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to improve an EPC rating by one band?
Improving by one band typically costs £500-£3,000 depending on your starting point and property type. Moving from D to C is often achievable for £1,000-£3,000 with basic insulation and controls upgrades.
What is the cheapest way to improve my EPC rating?
The cheapest improvements are loft insulation top-up (£300-£600), LED lighting (£50-£150), and draught-proofing (£100-£300). These alone can improve your rating by 5-15 points.
Do I need to improve my EPC to sell my house?
No, there's no minimum EPC requirement to sell a property. However, a better rating can increase value and make your property more attractive to buyers concerned about energy costs.
How long does it take to get a new EPC after improvements?
You can book a new EPC assessment immediately after completing improvements. The assessment itself takes 45-60 minutes and certificates are usually issued within 24-48 hours.
Will improving my EPC rating increase my property value?
Yes, research shows each EPC band improvement can add 1-3% to property value. A property upgraded from E to C could see a value increase of 3-6%, often exceeding the cost of improvements.
What improvements give the biggest EPC improvement?
Solid wall insulation (15-25 points), cavity wall insulation (10-15 points), and heat pumps (15-25 points) provide the largest improvements, though they're also the most expensive.
Check Your Property's EPC
Find out your current EPC rating and see what improvements are recommended.
EPC Rating Guides
Key Takeaways
- Start with loft insulation—cheapest with best returns
- Cavity wall insulation is essential if not done
- Check grant eligibility before paying full price
- Multiple small improvements often beat one big one
- Get a new EPC after improvements to prove your rating