How to Improve Your EPC Score
Your EPC score, also known as your energy efficiency rating, reflects how efficiently your property uses energy. A higher score means lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a more comfortable home. If your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows a lower rating than you’d like, there are several practical ways to improve it — many of which are affordable and straightforward.
Why Improving Your EPC Score Matters
Improving your EPC score can make a big difference. A better rating increases your property’s value, makes it more attractive to buyers and tenants, and helps you save on heating and electricity costs. It also supports Scotland’s wider commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable homes.
1. Upgrade Your Insulation
Insulation is one of the biggest factors in your EPC rating. Heat loss through the roof and walls can seriously reduce your score. Consider the following upgrades:
✔ Add or top up loft insulation to at least 270mm
✔ Install cavity wall insulation if your property has unfilled walls
✔ Use internal or external wall insulation for solid-wall homes
✔ Insulate floors and hot water tanks to retain heat more effectively
2. Replace or Upgrade Your Heating System
Your boiler and heating controls have a major impact on your EPC score. If you have an older, inefficient system, upgrading it can significantly improve your rating. Options include:
✔ Installing a modern condensing boiler
✔ Adding thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
✔ Installing smart heating controls
✔ Upgrading to renewable systems such as heat pumps or biomass boilers
3. Improve Your Windows and Doors
Energy-efficient windows help retain heat and prevent drafts. If your home still has single glazing, upgrading to double or triple glazing will immediately boost your EPC score. Sealing gaps around windows and doors with draft excluders is a cost-effective improvement too.
4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED lighting is a simple, inexpensive way to increase your EPC score. LEDs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer, helping to reduce energy bills and improve efficiency ratings.
5. Install Renewable Energy Sources
Adding renewable energy systems can make a big impact on your EPC score and long-term savings. The most common upgrades include:
✔ Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels for electricity
✔ Solar thermal systems for hot water
✔ Air source or ground source heat pumps
✔ Small domestic wind turbines (in suitable locations)
6. Upgrade Hot Water Systems
Installing an efficient hot water cylinder, adding proper insulation, and using a modern heating programmer can improve your EPC score. You can also fit low-flow shower heads and energy-saving taps to reduce water heating demand.
7. Reduce Air Leakage and Improve Ventilation
Sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and floors can reduce heat loss and improve your property’s thermal efficiency. However, make sure ventilation remains adequate to prevent condensation and damp issues — both of which can also affect your EPC rating.
8. Keep Your EPC Up to Date
Once you’ve made improvements, it’s important to have your home reassessed. A new EPC will show your higher energy efficiency rating and ensure your property reflects its true performance. EPCs are valid for 10 years, but updating yours after improvements can help showcase the value of your upgrades to buyers or tenants.
Book a New EPC for £59.99
At scottishepcregister.co.uk, we provide fast, affordable EPC assessments across Scotland for a fixed price of £59.99. Our accredited energy assessors will inspect your property, calculate your current EPC score, and provide expert advice on how to improve it further.
Independent EPC Contractor
We are an independent EPC contractor, not the official government EPC register. Every EPC we produce is fully valid and lodged through the national database. Our goal is to make energy efficiency simple, transparent, and affordable for every homeowner and landlord in Scotland.
Contact Us for EPC Advice
If you’re ready to improve your EPC score or book a new energy performance assessment, contact us today for fast and friendly service across Scotland.
Telephone: 0751 813 5361
Email: johnpaulhood2015@gmail.com
Website: scottishepcregister.co.uk