After your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessment, you’ll receive a Recommendations Report detailing suggested improvements to boost your property’s energy efficiency. However, not all recommendations have equal impact or urgency. Understanding what this report means — and how to prioritise the upgrades — is key to achieving compliance, increasing property value, and reducing energy bills.
In this article, we’ll break down the EPC Recommendations Report, explain how it’s structured, and provide a step-by-step approach to prioritising upgrades effectively.
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1. What is the EPC Recommendations Report?
The EPC Recommendations Report is a section of your EPC that:
Lists suggested energy efficiency improvements.
Provides an indicative cost range for each upgrade.
Shows potential energy savings (£ per year).
Indicates how much your EPC rating could improve post-upgrade.
This report is generated using the SAP or RdSAP methodology, ensuring recommendations are tailored to your property’s specific characteristics.
2. Typical Upgrade Categories in EPC Reports
| Upgrade Category | Common Examples |
|---|---|
| Building Fabric Improvements | Loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, floor insulation. |
| Heating System Upgrades | High-efficiency condensing boilers, smart controls. |
| Lighting Efficiency | Replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs. |
| Renewable Energy Solutions | Solar PV panels, heat pumps. |
| Secondary Glazing or Window Upgrades | Installing double or triple glazing. |
Each recommendation is accompanied by estimated installation costs and potential annual energy savings.
3. Understanding Cost vs Benefit: What Really Moves the EPC Needle?
Not all upgrades contribute equally to EPC improvement. Here’s a general hierarchy of impactful upgrades:
| High Impact Upgrades | Moderate Impact Upgrades | Low Impact Upgrades |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity wall insulation | Upgrading heating controls (TRVs, smart thermostats) | Switching all lighting to LED bulbs |
| Loft insulation (if not already maxed out) | Replacing single glazing with double glazing | Draught-proofing minor gaps |
| Boiler replacement (non-condensing to condensing) | Hot water cylinder insulation | Chimney balloon installation |
| Installing solar PV panels | Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) | Reflective radiator panels |
4. How to Prioritise EPC Recommendations: A Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Address Mandatory Compliance (MEES Regulations)
If your property is below EPC Band E, prioritise the upgrades that will elevate it to compliance first.
Focus on low-cost, high-return measures like loft insulation and heating controls.
Book an EPC assessment if you’re unsure which upgrades will ensure compliance.
Step 2: Target High-Impact Fabric Improvements
Ensure walls, lofts, and floors are insulated to modern standards.
Cavity wall insulation is often the most cost-effective upgrade in properties built after 1930.
For solid walls, consider external or internal wall insulation options.
Step 3: Upgrade Heating Systems Where Viable
Boilers older than 15 years are typically inefficient and flagged in the recommendations.
Opt for an A-rated condensing boiler or air source heat pump if feasible.
Pair boiler upgrades with smart controls for maximised EPC impact.
Step 4: Layer in Secondary Measures (Glazing & Lighting)
If windows are still single-glazed, upgrading to double or triple glazing offers both EPC and comfort benefits.
Replace all bulbs with low-energy LEDs; a low-cost upgrade that’s usually a “quick win” in EPC assessments.
Step 5: Consider Renewable Energy for Long-Term Gains
Solar PV installations often push properties into Band B or A.
Check eligibility for Green Energy Schemes or Incentives to offset installation costs.
5. Example: EPC Upgrade Pathway Using Recommendations Report
Initial EPC Rating: Band F
Recommendations in Report:
Loft insulation top-up (from 100mm to 270mm)
Replace boiler with condensing model.
Install smart thermostat and TRVs.
Switch all lighting to LEDs.
Consider solar PV installation.
Prioritised Upgrade Path:
Complete loft insulation and LED switch immediately.
Replace boiler and integrate smart controls next.
Assess return on investment for solar PV post-fabric improvements.
Expected Result: EPC rating rises to Band C, meeting MEES requirements and improving property value.
6. Don’t Ignore Documentation!
EPC assessors can only credit upgrades that are visible or documented. Always keep:
Installation certificates.
Product datasheets for insulation, boilers, glazing.
Evidence of heating control upgrades.
For comprehensive EPC evaluations that ensure all your improvements are recognised, contact us via our Contact page.
Conclusion
An EPC Recommendations Report is more than a checklist — it’s a strategic roadmap for improving your property’s energy performance and compliance status. By understanding the cost-benefit impact of each suggested measure and following a prioritised upgrade plan, property owners can maximise their EPC score and long-term energy savings.
At EPCrate, we provide expert guidance and assessments to help you interpret your Recommendations Report and implement upgrades efficiently. Book your EPC assessment now via our Booking page and ensure your property stays compliant and competitive.
