How to improve your EPC rating in 2026
Your EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates your home's energy efficiency on a scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Most UK homes are rated D or E. Improving your rating reduces energy bills, increases property value, and is increasingly required by law for rental properties.
The most cost-effective improvements depend on what your property already has. A home with no loft insulation should start there — it's cheap and adds 5 to 10 EPC points. A home that already has good insulation but an old gas boiler would benefit most from a heat pump, which adds 10 to 15 points.
EPC improvements ranked by cost-effectiveness
Based on Energy Saving Trust and BRE data, here are typical improvements ranked by EPC points gained per pound spent:
- Loft insulation top-up — £250 to £400, adds 3 to 7 points. Best value if your loft has less than 100mm of insulation. Often available free through grants.
- Loft insulation (from zero) — £300 to £600, adds 5 to 10 points. Calculate your savings.
- Cavity wall insulation — £400 to £1,500, adds 10 to 15 points. Check if your walls are suitable.
- LED lighting throughout — £100 to £300, adds 2 to 5 points. Simple DIY improvement.
- Smart heating controls — £150 to £400, adds 2 to 4 points.
- Double glazing — £3,000 to £7,000, adds 5 to 10 points. Expensive but improves comfort significantly.
- Heat pump — £7,000 to £13,000 before £7,500 grant, adds 10 to 15 points. Calculate your costs.
- Solar panels — £5,000 to £11,000, adds 5 to 10 points. Calculate your ROI.
- Solid wall insulation — £4,500 to £13,000, adds 15 to 25 points. Most impactful single measure but expensive. Check potential savings.
EPC requirements for landlords
Currently, rental properties in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of Band E. The government has proposed raising this to Band C for new tenancies, though the implementation timeline has been delayed. Penalties for non-compliance can reach £30,000. Landlords should plan ahead — the most cost-effective approach is to make improvements gradually rather than rushing to meet a deadline.
If the cost of reaching Band C exceeds a spending cap (currently proposed at £10,000), landlords can register an exemption. However, this exemption only lasts five years, after which improvements must be made.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum EPC rating for landlords in 2026?
Currently, rental properties must have a minimum EPC of Band E. The government has proposed Band C for new tenancies. Penalties for non-compliance can reach £30,000. Use our calculator above to find the cheapest route to compliance.
How much does it cost to improve an EPC rating?
Simple measures like loft insulation (£300 to £600) can improve your rating by 5 to 10 points. More significant improvements like a heat pump or solid wall insulation cost £5,000 to £15,000 but can improve ratings by 15 to 30 points. Many improvements qualify for government grants.
What improves an EPC rating the most?
The most impactful single measure is typically wall insulation (cavity or solid), which can improve an EPC by 10 to 25 points. Installing a heat pump can add 10 to 15 points. Loft insulation adds 5 to 10 points. The best approach depends on what your property already has.
Does a new boiler improve EPC rating?
Replacing an old gas boiler with a modern condensing boiler can add 5 to 10 EPC points. However, replacing it with a heat pump adds 10 to 15 points because the EPC methodology values renewable heat sources more highly. See our boiler vs heat pump comparison for the full analysis.