Improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about choosing the upgrades that deliver the highest impact on energy efficiency, compliance, comfort, and long-term savings. But with so many potential improvements available, property owners often waste money on upgrades that contribute very little to their final EPC score.
This guide highlights the EPC upgrades that matter most, helping homeowners, landlords, and renovators prioritise the improvements that deliver maximum efficiency and the best rating results. If you need professional guidance or want to arrange an assessment, visit our EPC Services page for support.
1. Start With Insulation: The Foundation of Every Strong EPC Rating
1.1 Loft Insulation – The Most Important Upgrade
Loft insulation is one of the highest-impact EPC improvements. Upgrading to at least 270mm insulation drastically reduces heat loss and instantly improves your SAP score.
Why it’s essential:
Stops up to 25% of heat escaping
Works for all property types
Very low cost compared to impact
If you’re preparing for a new EPC, you can book an inspection after insulation work via our Booking Page.
1.2 Cavity Wall Insulation – Major Gains for Suitable Homes
For homes built after the 1930s, cavity wall insulation often delivers a huge uplift.
Key benefits:
Significant improvement in heat retention
Fast installation
Noticeable reduction in heating bills
For solid-wall homes, external or internal wall insulation is effective but more costly.
1.3 Floor Insulation – Especially Valuable for Older Properties
Suspended timber floors lose a large amount of heat. Insulating them adds major EPC value.
Most effective for:
Pre-1930 homes
Properties with cold, draughty floors
2. Improve Your Heating System for Maximum EPC Impact
2.1 Upgrade to an Efficient Boiler (If Necessary)
Heating systems account for the largest share of EPC scoring. Replacing an old G-rated boiler with a modern condensing boiler can dramatically improve your rating.
Signs you need a boiler upgrade:
Your boiler is over 10–15 years old
Poor efficiency rating
High energy bills
Proper heating upgrades often add multiple EPC bands.
2.2 Smart Thermostats and Heating Controls
If your boiler is relatively modern, adding smart controls may deliver better value than replacing the system.
Why assessors value this upgrade:
Enhances heating efficiency
Supports energy-saving automation
Increases the property’s eco-credibility
Learn more about how heating improvements influence EPC performance on our About Us page.
2.3 Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs)
TRVs allow room-by-room temperature control and contribute to better efficiency scoring.
Works best for:
Larger homes
Properties with uneven temperature distribution
3. Optimise Your Hot Water System
3.1 Hot Water Cylinder Insulation
If your home has a hot water tank, cylinder insulation provides one of the best cost-to-benefit improvements.
EPC Impact:
Greatly reduces heat loss
Improves hot water efficiency rating
Very cheap upgrade
3.2 Modern Condensing Water Heaters
Upgrading older hot water systems can significantly improve your SAP score, especially in electric-only homes.
4. Improve Windows, Doors, and Draught-Proofing
4.1 Double or Triple Glazing
Window upgrades improve comfort and noise reduction and contribute to a stronger EPC rating.
However, glazing upgrades often deliver moderate EPC improvements, not dramatic ones.
4.2 Draught-Proofing – The Hidden Efficiency Booster
This small upgrade is often underestimated.
Benefits:
Reduces heat loss
Low cost
Supports all heating and insulation improvements
If you’re unsure where your home is losing energy, book an EPC visit through our Booking Page for expert assessment.
5. Renewable Energy: The Fastest Way to Jump EPC Bands
5.1 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels
Solar PV is one of the highest-scoring EPC improvements, especially for electrically heated homes.
Why solar dramatically increases EPC scores:
Cuts carbon emissions
Reduces electricity demand
Adds renewable energy points in SAP calculations
If you’re exploring renewable options, message our team through the Contact Page.
5.2 Solar Thermal Heating
Less common today but still helpful for properties with:
High hot water demand
Older systems
5.3 Air Source Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can dramatically transform your EPC rating but work best when:
The property is well insulated
Radiators or underfloor heating are upgraded
Perfect for modern and renovated homes aiming for EPC A or B.
6. Low-Cost EPC Upgrades With High Value
6.1 LED Lighting Across All Rooms
A simple but important improvement. Replacing every bulb with energy-efficient LEDs ensures your lighting section scores highly.
6.2 Radiator Reflectors
Especially beneficial in homes with external walls.
6.3 Chimney Draught Stoppers
Excellent for period properties with unused chimneys.
7. What to Prioritise First: The EPC Upgrade Roadmap
If you want maximum efficiency without wasting money, follow this priority list:
Priority 1: Insulation
Loft insulation
Wall insulation
Floor insulation
These upgrades account for the largest EPC gains.
Priority 2: Heating System Improvements
Efficient boiler or heat pump
Smart controls
TRVs
Priority 3: Renewable Energy
Solar PV
Solar thermal
Air source heat pumps
Priority 4: Extra Efficiency Additions
Draught-proofing
Cylinder insulation
LED lighting
For pricing estimates or EPC inspection details, check our Pricing Page.
Final Thoughts
Improving your EPC rating doesn’t require guessing—it requires strategy. By prioritising insulation, heating efficiency, smart controls, and renewable energy, you can dramatically raise your EPC score while lowering energy bills.
Email :info@epcrate.co.uk
Phone:020 34884142
