EPCScore

How to Improve Your EPC Rating

Practical tips and upgrades to boost your home's energy efficiency score, from quick wins to major improvements.

Quick Wins (Low Cost)

These improvements are relatively inexpensive and can make a noticeable difference:

  • Loft insulation — topping up to 270mm can save £200+/year and improve your rating by up to 2 bands
  • Draught-proofing — sealing gaps around doors, windows and floorboards
  • Energy-efficient lighting — replacing all bulbs with LEDs
  • Smart thermostat — better heating controls reduce waste
  • Hot water cylinder insulation — a jacket costs under £20 and saves around £30/year

    • Medium Investment

  • Cavity wall insulation — if your walls are unfilled, this is one of the most effective upgrades (£500–£1,500)
  • Double glazing — replacing single-glazed windows significantly reduces heat loss (£3,000–£8,000)
  • New condensing boiler — modern boilers are 90%+ efficient vs 60–70% for older models (£2,000–£4,000)
  • Underfloor insulation — especially effective for suspended timber floors

    • Major Improvements

  • External or internal wall insulation — for solid-walled properties that can't have cavity insulation (£5,000–£15,000)
  • Solar PV panels — generate your own electricity and potentially earn through the Smart Export Guarantee (£4,000–£8,000)
  • Air or ground source heat pump — a low-carbon alternative to gas boilers (£7,000–£15,000)
  • Triple glazing — the highest-performing window option

    • Government Grants

    Several schemes can help with costs:

  • Boiler Upgrade Scheme — up to £7,500 towards a heat pump
  • Great British Insulation Scheme — free or subsidised insulation for eligible households
  • ECO4 — energy company obligation funding for low-income households

    • Check your eligibility at GOV.UK or speak to your local authority.

    What Difference Can Improvements Make?

    A typical 1930s semi-detached house might move from a D (58) to a C (72) with loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and a new boiler. Adding solar panels could push it towards a B rating.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the cheapest way to improve my EPC rating?

    Loft insulation and LED lighting are typically the cheapest and most effective improvements. Draught-proofing is also very cost-effective.

    Do I need to get a new EPC after making improvements?

    You'll need a new EPC assessment to reflect any improvements. The existing certificate remains valid for 10 years, but a new one will show the updated rating.