How to Improve Your EPC Score

Simple Steps to Boost Your Energy Efficiency Rating

Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) gives your property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
If your score is lower than you’d like, the good news is — there are plenty of ways to improve it.

Improving your EPC rating can help you:

  • Lower your energy bills
  • Increase your property’s value
  • Make your home more comfortable
  • Meet minimum energy efficiency standards (especially important for landlords)

At EPC Wearside, we provide clear guidance and affordable EPC assessments — helping you understand where your property stands and how to make improvements that matter.

1. Upgrade Your Lighting

Switching from traditional bulbs to LED lighting is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to boost your EPC score.
LEDs use up to 90% less energy and last far longer than halogen or incandescent bulbs.

✅ Tip: Replace all main lights in your home with LED bulbs before your EPC assessment.

2. Improve Your Insulation

Insulation has one of the biggest impacts on your EPC rating.
Energy can escape through the roof, walls, and floors — so proper insulation keeps heat inside and reduces your energy use.

Key areas to insulate:

  • Loft insulation – Minimum 270mm is recommended for top efficiency.
  • Cavity wall insulation – Great for homes built after the 1920s with hollow walls.
  • Solid wall insulation – More expensive but can dramatically improve older homes.
  • Floor insulation – Helps prevent heat loss through ground floors.

✅ Tip: Loft insulation alone can raise your EPC rating by one or two bands.

3. Upgrade Your Heating System

Your heating system plays a major role in your EPC rating.
If your boiler is old, inefficient, or lacks modern controls, upgrading it can make a significant difference.

Consider:

  • Replacing an old G-rated boiler with a modern A-rated condensing boiler
  • Installing smart thermostats or programmable heating controls
  • Adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) to regulate room temperatures

✅ Tip: Even upgrading heating controls (without changing the boiler) can improve efficiency.

4. Install Double or Triple Glazing

Single-glazed windows allow heat to escape easily.
Upgrading to double or triple glazing reduces heat loss, prevents drafts, and improves overall comfort.

You’ll also benefit from better sound insulation and potentially higher property value.

✅ Tip: Look for A-rated energy-efficient windows for the best results.

5. Use Renewable Energy

Installing renewable energy systems not only lowers your bills but can also greatly boost your EPC rating.

Options include:

  • Solar PV panels – Generate electricity from sunlight.
  • Solar thermal systems – Use the sun to heat your water.
  • Air or ground source heat pumps – Efficient alternatives to traditional heating systems.

While these upgrades require investment, they often pay off in long-term savings and improved energy scores.

6. Seal Drafts and Improve Ventilation

Uncontrolled drafts waste energy, while poor ventilation can lead to damp and condensation.
Use draught excluders, seal gaps around windows and doors, and ensure that ventilation systems are balanced and efficient.

✅ Tip: Sealing gaps around pipework, loft hatches, and skirting boards can make a noticeable difference.

7. Add Hot Water Tank Insulation

If your home has a hot water cylinder, fitting a thick insulation jacket helps retain heat for longer, reducing the energy needed to keep water hot.

✅ Tip: A well-insulated cylinder can save £50–£100 per year on energy bills and improve your EPC score.

8. Consider Smart Energy Management

Smart meters and energy monitors can help you track energy use in real time and adjust habits to reduce waste.
Although they don’t directly raise your EPC score, using energy more efficiently contributes to long-term performance and savings.

9. Replace Old Appliances

Old appliances like fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers can consume excessive energy.
When replacing, look for energy-efficient models rated A or higher under the new EU/UK energy label system.

✅ Tip: Modern appliances often use half the electricity of older models.

10. Follow the Recommendations on Your EPC Report

Your EPC report includes personalised recommendations based on your property.
These suggestions are prioritised by cost and impact — showing you the most effective upgrades for your specific home.

✅ Tip: Even small, low-cost improvements can raise your score enough to meet legal requirements for landlords.

How We Can Help

At EPC Wearside, we don’t just provide EPCs — we help you understand them.
Our assessor will clearly explain:

  • How your current rating was calculated
  • Which improvements will have the biggest impact
  • Which upgrades are most cost-effective for your property type

We make energy efficiency simple, practical, and affordable.

Book Your EPC Assessment

Get a professional EPC for just £59.99 — with fast turnaround and no hidden fees.
You’ll receive clear recommendations to help you improve your rating and reduce your energy costs.

📧 Email: johnpaulhood2015@gmail.com
📞 Call / WhatsApp: 0751 813 5361

EPC Wearside — Certified Efficiency, Fixed at £59.99.