How to Improve Your EPC Rating – A Landlord’s Guide

If you own a rental property with a low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, you may be wondering how to improve your EPC rating and which upgrades will make the biggest difference.

The good news is that improving an EPC does not always mean carrying out a complete property renovation. Depending on the building, changes to insulation, heating, lighting, controls and renewable technologies can all potentially improve its energy performance.

However, every property is different. Therefore, before spending money on improvements, it is important to understand what is currently affecting your EPC rating and which measures are likely to provide the best results.

Carrying out improvements without first understanding their likely impact could result in unnecessary expenditure.

In this guide, we explain the main ways landlords can improve an EPC rating, how to prioritise improvements and how EPC upgrades relate to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

If you are unsure what standard applies to your rental property, start with our guide to what EPC rating landlords need in the UK.

📊 What Is an EPC Rating?

An Energy Performance Certificate measures the energy efficiency of a property and provides a rating from A to G.

The ratings range from:

• A – highest energy performance
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G – lowest energy performance

The EPC also contains recommendations for measures that could potentially improve the property’s energy performance.

For landlords, the EPC is particularly important because the rating can affect whether a property complies with rental energy-efficiency regulations.

If you are letting a house or flat and require an assessment, our Residential EPC Service can establish its current energy rating.

For shops, offices, warehouses and other non-domestic buildings, our Commercial EPC Service explains the assessment process for commercial properties.

🔍 Start by Checking Your Current EPC

Before carrying out any improvement work, check the property’s existing EPC.

This provides a useful starting point because it shows the current energy rating alongside recommendations for potential improvements.

More importantly, it can help identify where the property is currently losing energy and which areas may warrant further investigation.

For example, replacing relatively efficient windows could involve significant expenditure while producing only a modest change to the EPC. In another property, improving poorly insulated areas or addressing an inefficient heating system could potentially provide a greater benefit.

Therefore, the objective should not simply be to carry out as many improvements as possible.

Instead, you should identify the right improvements for your particular property.

If the existing EPC has expired or the building has changed significantly since it was produced, arranging a new assessment may provide a more useful starting point.

👷 Get Expert Advice Before Making EPC Improvements

Before spending money on energy-efficiency improvements, it is important to understand which measures are actually likely to improve your EPC rating.

An EPC may recommend several potential upgrades. However, this does not necessarily mean that every recommendation needs to be carried out.

Different improvements can have very different effects on the final EPC rating.

For example, a landlord could spend thousands of pounds replacing windows, upgrading a heating system or installing renewable technology when a different combination of measures may achieve the desired rating more cost-effectively.

Therefore, we recommend obtaining professional EPC and energy-efficiency advice before starting improvement works.

An expert can review the property, its existing EPC and the rating you are trying to achieve. This can help identify which improvements should be prioritised and, importantly, which unnecessary works may be avoided.

This becomes particularly valuable when trying to move a property from a lower EPC rating towards a specific target, such as EPC C.

Rather than making improvements individually and hoping they achieve the desired result, you can develop a clear improvement strategy first.

For landlords affected by rental energy-efficiency requirements, our MEES Compliance Services can also help you understand the relationship between your property’s EPC rating, potential improvements and the relevant compliance requirements.

The aim should not simply be to improve the property. It should be to achieve the required energy performance in the most practical and cost-effective way possible.

💡 Low-Cost Ways to Improve an EPC Rating

Not every EPC improvement needs to involve major building work.

Depending on the property, there may be several relatively inexpensive measures worth considering.

💡 Energy-Efficient Lighting

Replacing inefficient lighting with LED alternatives is one of the simplest energy-efficiency improvements.

The impact on an EPC will vary depending on the property. However, efficient lighting can form part of a wider package of improvements.

🌡️ Heating Controls

Good heating controls allow occupants to manage when and where heat is required.

Depending on the existing system, improvements could include:

• Programmable heating controls
• Room thermostats
• Thermostatic radiator valves
• Improved heating zoning

Better controls can reduce unnecessary energy consumption while improving comfort.

🚪 Draught Reduction

Uncontrolled draughts around windows, doors and other openings can increase heat loss.

Addressing areas of unwanted air leakage can improve comfort and reduce heating demand. However, suitable ventilation must always be considered when making a building more airtight.

🚿 Hot-Water Controls

Improving hot-water controls and insulating suitable hot-water cylinders and pipework can also reduce unnecessary heat loss.

Although individual low-cost measures may only produce modest improvements, several measures combined can make a meaningful difference.

🧱 Improve Insulation and the Building Fabric

One of the most important areas to consider when looking at how to improve an EPC rating is the building fabric.

A property that loses significant amounts of heat through its roof, walls and floors will generally require more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Therefore, reducing heat loss can improve overall energy performance.

🏠 Loft and Roof Insulation

Poorly insulated roofs can contribute significantly to heat loss.

Where suitable, improving loft or roof insulation can be one of the more practical energy-efficiency measures available to landlords.

🧱 Cavity Wall Insulation

Properties with suitable uninsulated cavity walls may benefit from cavity wall insulation.

However, the construction and condition of the property should be assessed before work begins.

🏘️ Solid Wall Insulation

Many older properties have solid external walls rather than cavity walls.

These can potentially be improved using internal or external wall insulation.

However, solid-wall insulation represents a more substantial project and requires careful consideration of moisture, detailing, ventilation and the existing construction.

⬇️ Floor Insulation

Suspended timber floors and other poorly insulated floor constructions can contribute to heat loss.

Depending on the property, improving floor insulation may form part of a wider retrofit strategy.

Taking a fabric-first approach can be particularly effective because reducing the building’s energy demand can improve its performance before you invest in new heating technology or renewable systems.

🔥 Upgrade an Inefficient Heating System

Heating can have a significant influence on a property’s energy performance.

If a building relies on an old or inefficient system, upgrading it may improve the EPC rating.

Potential measures can include:

• Replacing inefficient boilers
• Improving heating controls
• Upgrading distribution systems
• Installing more efficient heating technology
• Considering low-carbon heating where appropriate

However, replacing a heating system should not be treated as an automatic solution.

The effect on the EPC depends on the property, the existing system and the proposed replacement.

That is another reason why professional advice before carrying out expensive upgrades can be valuable.

🪟 Will New Windows Improve an EPC Rating?

Potentially, yes.

Replacing inefficient single glazing with appropriate modern glazing can reduce heat loss and improve comfort.

However, windows can be expensive to replace.

Therefore, replacing them solely to improve an EPC rating may not always provide the best return.

Before proceeding, consider:

• Existing glazing performance
• Frame condition
• Window area
• Installation quality
• Other available improvements
• The potential benefit compared with the cost

For some properties, insulation or heating improvements may represent a better first investment.

The key is to prioritise measures based on their likely effect rather than assuming the most visible or expensive improvement will provide the greatest EPC benefit.

☀️ Can Solar Panels Improve an EPC Rating?

Renewable technologies can potentially improve a property’s energy performance.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity on site and may contribute positively to an EPC assessment.

However, whether solar panels are the right solution depends on several factors, including:

• Roof orientation
• Available roof area
• Shading
• Existing energy performance
• Installation costs
• Other improvements available

In many cases, it makes sense to reduce the building’s energy demand before considering renewable technologies.

For example, improving insulation and heating efficiency before installing renewables can form part of a more balanced long-term energy strategy.

📈 How Can I Improve an EPC From E to C?

Moving from an EPC E rating towards C may require more than one improvement.

There is no single upgrade that guarantees an EPC will move from E to C because energy performance depends on the individual property.

For example, one landlord might require a combination of:

Insulation + heating controls + heating improvements + efficient lighting + renewable technology

Another property may achieve a similar improvement using a completely different combination.

This is exactly why obtaining advice before carrying out improvement works can be so important.

A landlord could otherwise spend thousands of pounds completing several upgrades only to discover that the property still does not achieve the desired rating.

If your main concern is the standard required to rent your property, our MEES Compliance Services guide explains how EPC ratings interact with Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards.

💷 How Much Does It Cost to Improve an EPC Rating?

There is no fixed cost.

One landlord may only need relatively minor improvements, while another property could require substantial fabric or heating upgrades.

Costs depend on factors including:

• Property size
• Age and construction
• Existing EPC rating
• Heating system
• Insulation levels
• Glazing
• Recommended measures
• Target energy performance

Before budgeting for improvements, it can also help to understand the cost of obtaining the certificate itself.

Our guide to how much an EPC costs in the UK explains typical EPC pricing and the factors that can affect assessment fees.

The most important point is to avoid choosing improvements based solely on installation price.

A cheaper measure that barely affects performance may offer less value than a more effective upgrade that helps move the property towards the desired standard.

⚖️ How EPC Improvements Relate to MEES

EPC ratings are particularly important for landlords because they are closely connected to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

If a rental property falls below the applicable minimum standard, the landlord may need to make qualifying improvements before letting it, unless an exemption or exclusion applies.

Therefore, improving an EPC is not simply about reducing energy bills.

For some landlords, it forms an important part of maintaining a compliant rental property.

Our full MEES Compliance Services page explains the requirements in more detail.

Alternatively, if you want to understand what happens from the initial EPC assessment through to establishing compliance, read our MEES compliance process guide.

Commercial landlords should also consider future MEES requirements before carrying out improvement works. The Government has announced proposals for privately rented non-domestic buildings over 1,000m² to achieve EPC B from 2031, where cost-effective. Before investing in upgrades, it is important to understand which improvements are actually likely to improve the building’s EPC rating. Read our guide to the MEES 2031 changes for more information.

🚫 Can You Rent a Property With a Poor EPC Rating?

Whether you can rent a property depends on the applicable rules, its EPC rating and whether any valid exemption or other relevant provision applies.

Landlords should not assume that simply obtaining an EPC automatically means the property can legally be let.

The EPC establishes the property’s energy rating. MEES requirements then determine whether that rating meets the relevant minimum energy-efficiency standard.

This distinction is important.

For a broader explanation of the legal requirement for EPCs, read our guide answering can you rent a property without an EPC?

🏢 How Do You Improve a Commercial EPC Rating?

The general principles are similar for commercial properties, but the assessment methodology and building systems can be significantly more complex.

Potential commercial EPC improvements include:

• LED lighting
• Lighting controls
• Heating and cooling upgrades
• HVAC controls
• Improved insulation
• Glazing improvements
• Renewable technologies
• Improved building services

Because non-domestic buildings can contain complex heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems, identifying the right combination of improvements is particularly important.

Some commercial developments may also require SBEM Calculations, particularly where Building Regulations apply.

🧮 Can SAP Calculations Help When Improving a Property?

For certain residential projects, particularly extensions, conversions and other Building Regulations work, SAP Calculations may form part of the compliance process.

SAP modelling considers the energy performance of a dwelling in considerably more detail than simply looking at one individual improvement.

Therefore, it can be useful when designing a wider energy strategy for a residential development.

If you’re carrying out building work rather than simply improving an existing rental property, our SAP Calculations service explains when an assessment may be required.

🏙️ Improving EPC Ratings for London Properties

Landlords in London face many of the same EPC and MEES considerations as landlords elsewhere in England.

However, London properties can present additional practical challenges.

For example, a property may be:

• Older
• Solid-wall construction
• Listed or within a conservation area
• A flat within a larger block
• Restricted in terms of external alterations
• Limited in available space for new building services

Therefore, improving the EPC rating may require a more considered approach.

Development and major refurbishment projects can also involve separate planning energy requirements.

In these cases, an Energy Statement may be required to demonstrate how a development responds to relevant planning policy.

🐝 How Assessment Hive Can Help

At Assessment Hive, we help landlords, property professionals and developers understand the energy performance of their buildings and the assessments they may require.

Depending on the property or project, we can assist with:

• Residential EPCs
• Commercial EPCs
• MEES compliance
• SAP Calculations
• SBEM Calculations
• Energy Statements

Crucially, seeking advice before carrying out expensive improvements can help you understand which measures are likely to provide the greatest benefit.

Rather than replacing windows, heating systems or installing renewable technology without knowing their likely impact, you can establish a clearer strategy first.

This can be particularly valuable for landlords managing several properties who need to prioritise which buildings require attention and where investment may be best directed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Improving EPC Ratings

What is the easiest way to improve an EPC rating?

There is no single easiest improvement for every property. Measures such as insulation, heating controls and efficient lighting may help, but the best option depends on the existing building and its current energy performance.

Can you improve an EPC from E to C?

Potentially. However, the improvements required depend on the individual property. Some buildings may require several measures rather than one individual upgrade.

Getting professional advice before starting work can help identify which combination of measures is most appropriate.

Should I get advice before making EPC improvements?

Yes. If you are considering significant expenditure, getting professional advice first can help identify which improvements are likely to affect the EPC rating and may help prevent unnecessary work.

Does insulation improve an EPC rating?

Insulation can improve energy performance by reducing heat loss. However, the effect depends on the existing construction and insulation levels.

Will a new boiler improve my EPC?

It may. Replacing an inefficient heating system can improve energy performance, although the effect depends on the existing and proposed systems.

Do solar panels increase an EPC rating?

Solar PV can contribute positively to a property’s energy performance. However, the impact varies between properties, so solar panels should be considered alongside other potential measures.

Does double glazing improve an EPC rating?

Replacing inefficient glazing can improve energy performance. However, the benefit depends on the existing windows and the overall performance of the building.

Should I improve my EPC before it expires?

If you are planning refurbishment work or need to meet rental energy-efficiency requirements, considering EPC improvements before the certificate expires may help you plan upgrades more effectively.

How do I know which EPC improvements are worth doing?

Start by reviewing the existing EPC and the property as a whole. Where significant expenditure is involved, getting professional advice before carrying out the work can help identify the most appropriate improvements and potentially avoid unnecessary expenditure.

📞 Need Help Improving Your EPC Rating?

If your property has a low EPC rating, don’t start spending money on improvements until you understand what may actually be required.

Assessment Hive can help you establish your current position and determine the appropriate next steps.

Whether you require a Residential EPC, Commercial EPC, support with MEES compliance, or energy calculations for a development project, our team can guide you through the process.

Contact Assessment Hive today to discuss your property before carrying out energy-efficiency improvements.

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