An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Improving EPC rating can help lower energy bills, increase the property’s value, and ensure compliance with rental regulations if you are a landlord.
This guide outlines steps to improve your EPC rating, whether moving from E to C or D to C, covering key areas assessed in EPC reports. Ensuring your home is energy-efficient has many benefits. Contact Falcon Energy today to arrange an EPC assessment and explore cost-effective solutions.
Our skilled energy assessors work nationwide. Call 01403 253439 to book.
Find out more about our domestic EPC services.
What is an EPC?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates a property’s energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) based on factors such as insulation, heating systems, and energy usage. An EPC is legally required when selling or renting a property, or when making significant improvements. It helps homeowners and potential buyers understand the property’s energy costs and identify opportunities for upgrades.
Why improve your EPC rating?
- Lower energy bills
- Increase property value
- Meet rental regulations (Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard – MEES)
- Reduce carbon footprint
Improving your property’s EPC rating makes your home more energy efficient, reducing heat loss and lowering utility bills. A higher EPC rating can also increase your property’s market value, making it more attractive to buyers and renters.
For landlords, meeting the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) is essential to legally renting out properties. A better EPC rating also helps reduce carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Read our guide on ‘How To Prepare For An EPC Assessment’.
Key factors affecting EPC ratings
Your EPC rating is influenced by:
- Insulation (walls, roof, floor, loft, windows)
- Heating systems and boiler efficiency
- Lighting (LEDs vs. halogen bulbs)
- Renewable energy sources
- Energy-efficient appliances
Your EPC rating depends on heat retention, heating efficiency, and energy consumption. Proper insulation, such as loft insulation and wall insulation, prevents heat loss, while an energy-efficient boiler and heating system reduces energy waste. Switching to LED lighting and using energy-efficient appliances can also make a significant difference on your rating.
Read our guide on ‘What Do EPC Ratings Mean?’
How to improve your EPC rating
Upgrade insulation (most significant impact)
Improving insulation is one of the most effective ways to boost your property’s EPC rating. It significantly reduces heat loss and lowers energy consumption. Adding at least 270mm of loft insulation helps retain warmth, while cavity wall insulation improves efficiency by trapping heat within the walls.
For solid walls, internal or external insulation provides a similar benefit. Floor insulation, particularly in older homes, prevents heat from escaping through the ground, and draught proofing around doors, windows, and chimneys helps eliminate cold air leaks, making your home warmer and more energy-efficient.
Our air tightness testing services provide accurate assessments to ensure your building is effectively sealed and energy-efficient.
Improve windows and doors
Upgrading windows and doors can also significantly improve your EPC rating. Installing double or triple glazing helps retain heat, lowering heating costs and reducing drafts. Additionally, using thermal curtains or blinds provides extra insulation, especially during colder months, further enhancing your home’s ability to maintain a stable temperature.
Modernise heating systems
Replacing an outdated G-rated boiler with an A-rated condensing model can make your home significantly more energy-efficient while reducing heating costs. A-rated boilers operate at over 90% efficiency, meaning they convert more fuel into usable heat compared to older models, which can waste energy.
Consider installing a heat pump that uses renewable energy to provide consistent and efficient heating for even greater long-term savings.
Using smart thermostats, thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), and zone controls can improve efficiency by ensuring heat is only used where and when needed, reducing energy waste and enhancing overall performance.
Find out more in our guide: Heat Pump Installation.
Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Switching to energy-efficient lighting is both simple and effective. LED bulbs consume significantly less electricity than halogen bulbs, last much longer, and provide the same brightness level. This easy upgrade reduces energy consumption and lowers electricity bills, contributing to a more sustainable home.
Invest in renewable energy
Investing in renewable energy reduces reliance on traditional energy sources. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping to power your home while reducing dependence on the grid. Over time, they can significantly cut energy costs and may even allow you to sell excess electricity back to the network through incentive schemes.
Air and ground source heat pumps provide an efficient, low-carbon alternative to gas or oil heating systems. Extracting heat from the air or ground delivers consistent warmth while using far less energy than conventional boilers. Although they require an upfront investment, these renewable technologies offer long-term savings, improved energy efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Explore our Renewable Energy Consultation Services.
Use energy-efficient appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances helps reduce overall electricity consumption. Choosing A-rated (or better) appliances ensures they use less energy while delivering the same performance. Additionally, unplugging unused devices and using smart plugs can prevent unnecessary energy waste, lower electricity bills, and make your home more environmentally friendly.
How to improve EPC rating from E to C (or D to C)
For properties with E or D ratings, focus on:
- Loft and cavity wall insulation
- Upgrading heating system (boiler, thermostats, heat pump)
- Installing double glazing
- Switching to LED lighting
- Adding solar panels (if feasible)
Improving an EPC rating from E or D to C requires multiple upgrades.
- Start with insulation improvements like loft and cavity wall insulation to reduce heat loss.
- Upgrade the heating system – replace an old boiler, install a heat pump, or add smart heating controls.
If your budget allows, invest in renewable energy – such as installing solar panels – which can provide long-term savings and improve your EPC rating further. Remember to check for government grants or local funding schemes that may help offset the costs of these improvements.
Cost vs. Savings
While improving your EPC rating requires an upfront investment, the long-term savings on energy bills often outweigh the costs. Simple upgrades like loft insulation and LED lighting offer quick returns, while more significant investments such as double glazing, a new boiler, or solar panels provide greater efficiency and can increase property value.
The potential savings vary depending on the improvements made, but over time, a better EPC rating lowers energy costs and helps ensure compliance with evolving energy efficiency standards.
Book a domestic EPC assessment with Falcon Energy
Whether you’re looking for simple upgrades or long-term energy-saving solutions, Falcon Energy can provide expert guidance and cost-effective improvements tailored to your home.
Contact our experienced energy assessors today to book an EPC assessment. The recommendations report will provide detailed estimates of potential energy savings, the improved EPC rating you could achieve, and the annual fuel cost reductions.