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How to improve your EPC rating

A sensible order of upgrades for most UK homes: cheap and low-risk first, then bigger jobs that need a survey.

IndicativeFigures on this page are indicative ranges for a typical UK home. They are not a quote, a survey or an EPC. Your home will differ.

1. Start with the cheap, quick wins

• LED lighting
• Draught-proofing
• Heating controls

They cost little, are low risk, and some count towards your EPC. Keep ventilation working.

2. Insulate the roof, then the walls

• Loft insulation
• Roof and room-in-roof insulation
• Cavity wall insulation

Heat escapes upward and outward, so insulation is usually where the biggest gains are. Solid walls, found in many homes built before the 1920s, can be insulated too, but the work is more involved and costs more. The Energy Saving Trust gives an average of £12,000 to £15,000 for a semi-detached home, and a survey is essential.

3. Windows and doors

• Double or triple glazing
• Energy-efficient doors

These improve comfort, noise and security more than they cut bills, and they are costly, so they usually come after insulation.

4. Heating and generation

• Air source heat pump
• Solar panels

These can add the most EPC points, but they work best once the home is well insulated and the design is right for your property.

Think about the whole house

Changes affect how heat, air and moisture move through a home. A whole-house plan helps you avoid problems such as damp or poor ventilation. The Energy Saving Trust suggests a qualified retrofit assessor can help with this, and recommends TrustMark when looking for one.

What not to expect

EPC points do not add up exactly, savings depend on your home and how you live in it, and a new rating only exists once an accredited assessor issues a new certificate. See how EPC ratings work.