If you're a homeowner or landlord in the UK, you've probably heard of an EPC rating—but what does it actually mean? And why does it matter?
With energy costs rising and government regulations tightening, having a high EPC rating can make your home cheaper to run, more comfortable to live in, and more valuable when it comes to selling or renting.
In this guide, we’ll break down what EPC ratings are, why they matter, and how retrofitting your home can help you achieve an A-rating.
What is an EPC Rating?
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how energy-efficient a property is. The rating ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with A-rated homes using the least energy and costing the least to run.
When you buy, sell, or rent a property, you’ll need an EPC assessment carried out by an accredited energy assessor. The certificate will:
✔️ Show your home’s current energy efficiency rating.
✔️ Estimate energy costs.
✔️ Recommend improvements to increase the rating.
Why Does an EPC Rating Matter?
A higher EPC rating isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it comes with real benefits:
🔥 Lower Energy Bills – An A-rated home costs far less to heat and power than a lower-rated home.
🏡 Higher Property Value – Homes with high EPC ratings can be worth up to 14% more than those with lower ratings.
📉 Future-Proofing – Government regulations are making EPC requirements stricter, so improving your rating now can help avoid costly upgrades later.
🌍 Better for the Environment – A-rated homes produce fewer carbon emissions, helping the UK move towards net-zero goals.
How Retrofit Can Improve Your EPC Rating
Retrofitting means upgrading your home’s insulation, heating systems, ventilation, and energy use to make it more efficient. Here’s how key retrofit improvements can boost your
EPC rating:
1. Improve Insulation 🏡🔧
Up to 35% of heat is lost through walls and 25% through roofs. (Energy Saving Trust)
Adding loft, wall, and floor insulation is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve your EPC rating. Options include:
Cavity Wall Insulation – Can increase an EPC rating by up to two bands.
Solid Wall Insulation – Essential for older properties, cutting heat loss by 45%.
Loft Insulation – A simple, cost-effective way to retain heat and reduce energy bills.
2. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors 🏠🔄
Older windows let heat escape, making your home less efficient. Upgrading to double or triple glazing reduces heat loss and improves EPC ratings.
Double glazing can improve a home’s EPC rating by up to 5 points.
Draught-proofing doors and windows is a simple, affordable fix that can also make a difference.
3. Install an Energy-Efficient Heating System 🔥🌡️
Heating accounts for over 50% of household energy use.
Replacing an old, inefficient boiler with a modern condensing boiler or a heat pump can significantly improve your EPC rating:
A-rated boilers can cut heating bills by up to £580 per year.
Air-source heat pumps use electricity efficiently and are often eligible for government grants.
4. Add Solar Panels ☀️⚡
Solar energy is one of the best ways to reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity. Installing solar panels can boost an EPC rating by 10-15 points, moving a property up at least one or two bands.
A 3.5kWp solar system can save homeowners £305-£500 per year on electricity bills.
Homes with solar panels are more attractive to buyers, increasing resale value.
5. Improve Ventilation and Airtightness 🌬️🏡
A home needs to be both airtight and well-ventilated to avoid damp and mould while keeping heat inside. Installing Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) systems can help retain up to 90% of heat while ensuring fresh airflow.
How to Get Started with Retrofitting for a Better EPC Rating
Get an EPC assessment – Understand where your home currently stands.
Plan your upgrades – Identify which improvements will give the biggest boost.
Check for grants – The UK Government offers various retrofit incentives like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) and Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Work with experts – Retrofit professionals, like Target Green, can design and implement a tailored plan to maximise your home’s energy efficiency.
Final Thoughts
A high EPC rating isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about making your home cheaper to run, more comfortable, and future-proofed against rising energy costs. Retrofitting is the most effective way to achieve an A-rated home, reducing your bills while helping the environment.
Ready to improve your home’s EPC rating? Get in touch with Target Green today for expert retrofit solutions.
Comments