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