The certificate also gives an indication of the energy performance of the property and suggests what changes may be made to make it more efficient. These recommendations provide homeowners with a helpful beginning by identifying areas of concern, instead of making them guess about what upgrade might be beneficial. The EPC is usually valid for a period of 10 years but can be re-issued earlier by the ownership if there have been major changes to the home.
In England and Wales, property owners are required to have a valid Energy Performance Certificate for the vast majority of properties being sold or let, with a few exceptions. Landlords should be aware of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) which are currently in force and make sure that most private rented domestic properties included in the regulations conform to at least an E rating, unless an exemption applies. There are separate EPCs in place 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 be losing heat. If warm air is allowed to rise through an ineffective insulated loft, the heating system will have to do more work to keep the space at a temperature that is comfortable. This may cause additional energy use and result in a colder upper room as compared with the lower rooms.
Loft insulation can be installed in the area or added to existing loft insulation to help keep heat in and save on energy consumption. Typically, 270mm of insulation is recommended for many homes, but the exact thickness and type of insulation should be determined based on the roof’s design and the thickness of the existing insulation. Actually, if you have insulation in your loft, it might be easier to add to the existing insulation than to begin from scratch.
Replace Traditional Bulbs with Energy-Efficient LED Lighting
Lighting may seem like a minor detail when compared with insulation or heating, but older bulbs can consume considerably more electricity than modern alternatives. The LED bulb is an easy solution for cutting electricity consumption without altering how you are using your rooms, compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs.
LED bulbs come in a variety of brightness and colour temperature options, and can be used in a range of settings, from kitchens and offices to bedrooms and living rooms. Begin with rooms that have lights that are on for extended periods, since they will probably provide the most practical benefit. Prices for individual bulbs vary from a couple of pounds, depending on specification and brand.
Draught-Proof Windows and Doors
A home can lose warmth through surprisingly small gaps. Spaces around window frames, external doors, floorboards and unused openings allow warm air to escape while letting colder air enter. This can be a problem that you might notice when a room feels uncomfortable, although the heat is on.
Draught-proofing is one of the areas that helps bridge the gaps. Suitable seals around opening windows and doors, draught excluders and carefully applied sealant can reduce unwanted air movement. Depending on the size and accessibility of the gap between the wood and the concrete, some homeowners may be able to seal the gap themselves, while others may need professional assistance.
All properties must have good ventilation to reduce moisture and to maintain high indoor air quality, so if there are any moisture or condensation issues, these should be dealt with prior to extensive sealing works.
Install Modern Heating Controls
Even an efficient boiler can waste energy when it heats rooms unnecessarily. Existing heating systems may have restricted control of when the heating is on or which parts of the home are heated. Today’s controls offer homeowners greater flexibility and allow them to match their heating schedules with their lives.
The programmer can be used to program the heating times, a room thermostat will control the desired room temperature, and the thermostatic radiator valves can be used to adjust the temperature of individual rooms. Smart thermostats can provide more convenience, giving you the option to use a mobile app to control the thermostat. Depending on your present heating system and boiler, the most appropriate remedy is going to be the one which is offered.
A comprehensive suite of heating controls is estimated to cost about £600 in a typical semi-detached house by Energy Saving Trust. These controls can offer the possibility of saving heat when used in the right way and enhancing comfort. They can also help to improve the EPC rating, depending on the present system.
Upgrade an Old Boiler or Consider a Heat Pump
Many UK homes are affected by their energy performance by heating. An obsolete or outdated boiler can consume more fuel than the job requires and an inappropriate or ineffective boiler can make it hard to regulate room temperatures. Upgrading an old ageing equipment to a modern and well sized system can therefore be an important part of improving the energy efficiency of a property.
An A-rated condensing boiler or a low carbon alternative such as an air source heat pump are options for the homeowner. A well-designed heating system, correctly sized radiators or underfloor heating and appropriate insulation within the property is essential for a heat pump to be effective, moving the heat from outside the house into the interior.
Replace Inefficient Windows with Double or Triple Glazing
Thermal performance of a building is greatly related to the window. Single glazing can also allow heat to escape from the window and cause cold spots around the window, especially in winter, from older units. Modern double glazing will be more insulating, less draughty and more comfortable than their original counterparts.
Double and triple glazing are made of two and three panes of glass, respectively, with a space of insulation between. The extra layer can provide further thermal performance benefits but this will rely on the window specification and the quality of installation and on the condition of the property itself.
The Energy Saving Trust is estimating that double glazing to A rating on a typical semi-detached house will cost approximately £4,800. This final cost will depend on the number of windows, the type of frame materials and installation needs. While this is a larger investment than draught-proofing or LED lighting, energy efficient glazing can help to enhance the energy performance of the building and contribute to a better level of comfort for everyday use.
Install Solar Panels to Generate Renewable Electricity
In solar PV, people can use the light in the day to produce electricity, instead of being dependent on the national grid. The electricity generated can be used for house appliances, lights, other equipment and may lessen electricity consumption that you require from your electricity supplier. If there is an eligible export arrangement, you can also get paid for electricity that you export to the grid.
Solar panel systems have several parameters to be taken in consideration such as roof orientation, shading, available space and solar panel capacity. Often a roof with a South orientation can afford favourable conditions; however other roof orientations can be appropriate. The price of a typical solar panel installation is estimated by Energy Saving Trust at approximately £7,600, but this will be dependent on the size of the system and equipment.
The implementation of solar panels can enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by providing a source of clean energy and minimizing the use of electricity from the grid. They may also be sought by purchasers who are looking for reduced operating expenses and eco-friendly residences.
Can Improving Your EPC Rating Increase Property Value?
An improved EPC will help give the property a more appealing appearance, especially if it is being marketed alongside other properties that are in the same street, size and specification. Energy efficiency is important as it can impact the energy a household requires and how comfortable the home will be year-round. A well-insulated home with a newer heating system may also need less near-term work than a home that has inadequate insulation and an old heating system.
Are There Government Grants for Energy-Efficiency Improvements?
Homeowners are less likely to make improvements when the costs of insulation, heating upgrades, and renewable energy systems are high. There are some government schemes that provide financial support for eligible households, however. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England & Wales provides financial assistance for eligible installations of heat pumps and the Warm Homes: Local Grant in England for low carbon heating and energy efficiency improvements in eligible households.
The Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) scheme comes to an end on 31 December 2026, so any household thinking about applying for support needs to ensure it is available and meets the criteria. You can also check your current EPC rating and recommendations on GOV.UK before applying.
Conclusion
Improving your EPC rating does not have to mean completing every upgrade at once. Start by reviewing your existing certificate and identifying the areas where your property performs poorly. If heat loss is the main concern, insulation and draught-proofing may deserve attention 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 for a sale or rental, working with an experienced assessor can help you move forward with confidence. Visit EPC CERTS to learn more about its EPC assessment services and arrange an appointment.
