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A landlord and homeowner’s guide to improving your property’s EPC rating

Improving your home’s energy efficiency can do more than just lower bills. If you’re thinking of selling or renting out your property, it can also increase its value for buyers and renters. For landlords, making energy-efficient upgrades now can also help you prepare for new EPC rules that come into effect from October 2030, ensuring you comply with your landlord responsibilities.  

We look at practical ways to improve energy use in your property and upgrade its EPC rating.  

Updated: 28.08.26

By Steve Cox

Improve your EPC ratings

What is the current minimum EPC rating for rentals? 

Since 1st April 2020, properties in the private rented sector must have a minimum EPC rating of E. Properties with a rating of F or G cannot be rented out or, if applicable, must register for an exemption.  

EPCs have been a source of confusion for many landlords, as the government had intended to raise the minimum rating to C for new tenancies by December 2025. Existing tenancies would follow by December 2028. However, these deadlines have been scrapped. Instead, all rental properties must reach EPC C standards by 1st October 2030.

EPC rating graph

Despite this revised timeline, making improvements now ensures you’re prepared for the changes and makes your property more attractive and affordable to prospective tenants.  

Why is my EPC rating so low? 

Common causes of low EPC ratings include:  

  • Poor loft insulation – experts recommend at least 270mm of insulation in lofts; anything less may not be enough to retain heat.   

  • Property type – detached homes are more likely to suffer heat loss compared to terraced properties.  

  • Inefficient heating system – older boilers are less efficient, draining energy and lowering your EPC rating. 

  • Single-glazed windows – these are very inefficient, causing significant heat loss. 

  • No paper trail of improvements – not all energy efficiency methods are obvious, so if you’ve insulated cavity walls and installed floor and ceiling insulation, be sure to keep paperwork as evidence of this. Often, if an EPC assessor cannot see upgrades and you can’t provide evidence, they’ll judge the property based on its age and construction methods at the time.  

Quick wins to improve your EPC rating 

If you’re looking for quick and relatively cheap upgrades, consider: 

  • Switching to LED bulbs – they may cost more to buy, but they’ll last far longer and can help boost your EPC rating.  

  • Insulate your hot water cylinder – simply covering it cylinder minimises heat loss, so your water stays hotter for longer without frequent reheating.  

  • Draught excluders – these are cheap to buy and can help reduce heat loss.  

  • Upgrade your loft insulation – topping up on what you have can improve heat retention. 

  • Install heating controls – while this is slightly more expensive, being able to fully control your heating system can help cut costs in the long term.  

Major energy saving upgrades to improve your EPC band  

If you want to significantly improve your EPC, you’ll need to make much bigger changes. While they will inevitably cost more money upfront, it can help you reap longer-term benefits. In addition to reducing bills, it can help increase your property’s value and make it much more attractive to renters and buyers if you’re thinking about selling.  

Larger-scale improvements to consider include: 

  • Insulation – figures from the Energy Saving Trust show that homes lose around 25% of their heat through an uninsulated roof, up to 33% through walls and up to 20% through floors. If you don’t have insulation, installing it can dramatically cut heat loss and lower bills.  

Wall, loft and roof insulation

  • Invest in double or triple-glazed windows – installing new windows is a big expense but can have a significant impact on your EPC rating. Triple glazing des offers greater insulation and helps reduce noise, but it is much more expensive, so what’s right for you will depend on your budget and circumstances. 

  • Install a more efficient boiler – an old boiler with a poor appliance rating will use more energy and lower your overall EPC score. Switching to a newer, more efficient condensing boiler can significantly improve your rating, sometimes moving you up two or three bands. It should be paired with TRVs (thermostatic radiator valves) on the radiators and a smart thermostat for maximum benefit. 

Upgrade your boiler

  • Install solar panels – the average solar panel installation will set you back around £6,100 according to the Energy Saving Trust, but long-term savings can make this a worthwhile investment and improve your EPC rating.  

  • Invest in a heat pump – heat pumps (ground source or air source) are much more energy efficient compared to traditional heating systems but can use more electricity when it’s particularly cold. While heat pumps should save you money (as they are more efficient), if you have a newer gas or oil boiler, the cost savings may be negligible, and if electricity remains more expensive, a heat pump could cost slightly more to run.  

Does a smart meter improve your EPC?  

Smart meters won’t improve your EPC rating. However, they provide real-time information about how much energy is being used. This can help you pinpoint energy-draining appliances, raise awareness of energy use, and encourage your household to save.   

Smart meter

How much does it cost to improve an EPC rating? 

Cost depends on numerous factors, ranging from the type of property you have to the prices set by contractors in your region. Small changes may set you back a few hundred pounds, while significant upgrades including the installation of entirely new heating or renewable energy systems will set you back thousands. Official government estimates show that the mean cost of improving a property to a band C (from band D or lower) is £7,320.  

To help you weigh up your options, here’s a rough guide to costs provided by the Energy Saving Trust: 

Improvement

Cost

Potential annual savings

Switch to LED bulbs

£1.50-£6 per bulb

£45

Insulate hot water cylinder

£18

£195 - £215 (depending on house type)

Install loft insulation

Between £750 and £900

£140 - £360 (depending on house type)

Install cavity wall insulation

£2,700

£110 - £380 (depending on house type)

Solid wall insulation

£18,000 (external wall) £12,000 (internal wall)

£140 - £500 (depending on house type)

New heating controls

£550 (TRVs on radiator valves, programmer and thermostat)

£110

Energy efficient windows

£12,000 (for a semi-detached house)

£140 (upgrading single glazing to A-rated double glazing in a semi-detached house)

How to officially change your EPC rating? 

Officially changing your EPC rating will require your property to be reassessed by an accredited assessor. Costs vary, but range between £65 and £120.  

If you’d like to find your current EPC, head to GOV.UK, find an energy certificate.  

What happens during major energy renovations? 

If you’ve decided to make major upgrades to your property, it’s important to check what your current home insurance policy says about renovation work. Most standard policies won’t cover major building work, so if something unexpected happens your claim may be declined. 

Standard policies also won’t provide cover if your home will be empty for more than 30-90 consecutive days (depending on the policy terms). With this in mind, if you’re carrying out work and moving out while it happens, consider renovation insurance or unoccupied home insurance to ensure continued protection. 

 

Need help with your insurance?

Improving your EPC lowers your energy bills and carbon footprint, while also helping to reduce maintenance as you’re less likely to have issues with frozen pipes, damp, and mould. But while an energy-efficient property helps protect you and tenants from high energy costs, don’t forget to protect the asset itself. 

Tailored home insurance or landlord building insurance provides a financial safety net to cover costs if your home or property needs repairing. At Alan Boswell Group, our flexible approach means you can be confident about finding a policy that fits your needs, whether you’re living in your property, renting it out, or undertaking major renovation work.  

Speak to us:  01603 216399

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