Heat Pumps and EPC London — Will It Improve Your Rating?
Many London homeowners and landlords are considering heat pumps as part of wider energy efficiency improvements. If you are planning an air source heat pump, ground source heat pump or heating system upgrade, one important question is whether the installation could improve your Energy Performance Certificate rating.
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EPCRATE provides EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs. Founded in 2015 by Jino Jose, an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA), EPCRATE helps homeowners, landlords, estate agents and property owners understand EPC ratings, evidence requirements, recommendations and the potential impact of energy efficiency improvements.
Can a Heat Pump Improve an EPC Rating?
A heat pump may improve an EPC rating, but the result is never guaranteed. The final EPC outcome depends on the property, evidence and approved methodology.
Factors such as insulation levels, wall construction, roof construction, glazing, heating controls, hot water arrangements and the previous heating system can all affect the final EPC rating. For some properties, a heat pump may contribute positively. For others, the effect may be more limited unless other improvements are also made.
This is why it is important to review the full property rather than assuming that one upgrade will automatically move the EPC to a specific band.
How EPC Software Treats Heat Pumps
Domestic EPCs are calculated using the approved SAP/RdSAP methodology. The assessor records the property features and supporting evidence available at the time of assessment.
For a heat pump to be reflected correctly in an EPC, suitable evidence may be needed. This can include an MCS certificate, Building Regulations sign-off, installer documentation, manufacturer details or other relevant records confirming the system type and installation.
The assessment cannot rely only on verbal information. Where features are not visible or evidence is missing, the EPC must follow the relevant assessment conventions.
Air Source vs Ground Source Heat Pumps and EPC
Air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps can both be included in EPC assessments where correctly installed and evidenced.
An air source heat pump extracts heat from outside air and is often more practical for many London homes because it usually requires less land than a ground source system.
A ground source heat pump extracts heat from the ground and may perform differently within the SAP methodology, but it normally requires suitable outdoor space or ground works.
The EPC impact of either system depends on the property, evidence and approved methodology. The best option for one London home may not be the best option for another.
Do You Need a New EPC After Installing a Heat Pump?
Yes. If you install a heat pump after your current EPC was produced, the existing certificate will not update automatically.
To show the new heating system on the EPC, a new assessment is required after installation. This is especially important for landlords, homeowners preparing to sell, and property owners who want the certificate to reflect completed improvement works.
Before reassessment, it is useful to gather evidence such as installation paperwork, MCS certification, Building Regulations documentation and product information.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) may provide support toward qualifying installations — grant levels and eligibility criteria can change, so always check gov.uk/boiler-upgrade-scheme for the latest information before making decisions based on funding.
EPCRATE does not guarantee grant eligibility or funding approval. An EPC can help property owners understand energy performance and recommendations, but funding decisions should always be based on current official scheme rules.
Heat Pumps and London Property Types
London has a wide mix of property types, and heat pump suitability can vary significantly. Victorian terraces, Edwardian houses, purpose-built flats, converted maisonettes, ex-local authority homes and modern apartments all have different construction and heating characteristics.
For Victorian terraces and older houses, insulation levels, solid walls and heat loss can affect performance. For flats and maisonettes, leasehold permissions, external unit placement and building management rules may need to be considered.
Properties in conservation areas may also require additional planning checks before visible external equipment is installed. Homeowners and landlords should always check relevant permissions before proceeding with installation.
Why Choose EPCRATE?
EPCRATE has been supporting London property owners since 2015. Founded by Jino Jose, an accredited Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA), EPCRATE provides clear EPC guidance for homeowners, landlords and estate agents across all 32 London boroughs.
EPCRATE has been recognised with the Greater London Energy Efficiency Award 2024 and 2025 and is rated ★★★★★ by customers. The company also offers a Draft EPC service, helping clients review EPC recommendations and available evidence before final lodgement where possible.
Whether you are considering a heat pump, solar panels, insulation upgrades or wider energy efficiency improvements, EPCRATE can help you understand your current EPC position and the evidence needed for reassessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a heat pump improve my EPC rating in London?
A heat pump may improve an EPC rating, but the result depends on the property, evidence and approved methodology. No specific EPC band improvement can be guaranteed.
What evidence does EPCRATE need for a heat pump on an EPC?
Useful evidence may include an MCS certificate, Building Regulations sign-off, installer documentation, manufacturer details and product information confirming the type of heat pump installed.
Do I need a new EPC after a heat pump installation?
Yes. A new EPC assessment is required if you want the heat pump installation to be reflected on the certificate.
Is a heat pump always the best EPC improvement?
No. The best improvement depends on the property. In some homes, insulation, heating controls or other measures may be more suitable before or alongside a heat pump.
What is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme may provide support toward qualifying installations. Grant levels and eligibility criteria can change, so always check gov.uk/boiler-upgrade-scheme for the latest information.
Can EPCRATE advise before I install a heat pump?
Yes. EPCRATE can help you understand your current EPC, review recommendations and explain what evidence may be useful before reassessment.
Planning a heat pump? Call EPCRATE on 020 3488 4142 for EPC advice, Draft EPC review, evidence guidance and reassessment support across London.
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|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom EPC | £59 |
| 2 Bedroom EPC | £69 |
| 3 Bedroom EPC | £79 |
| 4 Bedroom EPC | £89 |
| EPC + Floor Plan Bundle | £118 (Save £20) |
Written by Jino Jose
DEA & NDEA Accredited Energy Assessor · EPCRATE, London · Founded 2015
Jino Jose is the founder of EPCRATE and one of the few London assessors holding both Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) and Non-Domestic Energy Assessor (NDEA) accreditations. He has carried out thousands of EPC assessments across all 32 London boroughs since 2015.
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