If you’ve ever wondered how to improve your home’s EPC rating, do you know what an EPC rating is? With energy prices rising homeowners and buyers are considering efficiency, improving your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score has never been more worthwhile.
An EPC shows how energy efficient your home is, rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). A higher rating doesn’t just make your home warmer and more comfortable — it can also reduce energy use, lower running costs, and even increase your property’s value.
The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands to make a real difference. From switching to LED lighting and adding loft insulation to draught-proofing windows and doors, there are plenty of simple, affordable ways to boost your EPC rating and make your home more energy efficient.
At Lendology, we work with local councils to make home improvements more accessible through responsible, people-first lending. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, cost-effective steps to improve your EPC rating — helping you create a warmer, greener home that works better for you and the planet.
Step 1: Understand your current EPC rating
Before you can make improvements, it helps to know where you’re starting from.
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) measures how energy efficient your home is, scoring it from A to G and giving a numerical score out of 100 — the higher the number, the better your performance.
You can check your EPC rating for free on the GOV.UK EPC Register.
When you download your certificate, look for:
- Current rating – your home’s existing score.
- Potential rating – what your property could achieve with upgrades.
Your EPC will also include recommendations — from insulation to heating upgrades — ranked by cost and potential savings. These suggestions can help you plan improvements that fit your budget and your home.
Tip: Think of your EPC as a roadmap. Whether you’re making small changes or major upgrades, it helps you invest in the areas that will have the biggest impact.
Step 2: Focus on cost-effective EPC improvements
You don’t have to break the bank to improve your home’s EPC rating. Many low-cost, practical steps can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
Quick wins to raise your EPC rating
- Switch to LED lighting – Replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs is one of the simplest ways to save energy. LEDs use up to 80% less electricity and last much longer (Energy Saving Trust).
- Insulate your hot water cylinder – A £20–£25 cylinder jacket helps your water stay hotter for longer and reduces wasted energy.
- Draught-proof doors and windows – Simple sealant or draught-proofing strips stop warm air escaping and can cost as little as £100.
- Add or top up loft insulation – Loft insulation is one of the most effective upgrades for heat retention. DIY rolls start from around £5–£20 per 8 m².
- Consider cavity wall insulation – If your property is suitable, professional insulation can often be completed for a few hundred pounds and can significantly reduce heat loss.
Extra affordable upgrades to consider
- Install smart heating controls – Smart thermostats or timers can help you heat rooms efficiently and avoid wasted energy (Energy Saving Trust).
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances – Replacing older appliances with modern, A-rated models may improve your EPC score.
- Insulate hot-water pipes and floors – Foam pipe insulation or inexpensive under-floor insulation helps keep heat where it belongs.
Each of these small steps can add up to a noticeable improvement in your EPC rating — and your overall comfort at home.
Remember: you don’t need to do everything at once. Start with the easiest fixes and build from there.
Step 3: Consider larger home efficiency upgrades
If you’ve already tackled the basics, you may want to explore bigger improvements that could lift your EPC rating further, such as:
- Cavity, solid wall, or floor insulation
- Double or triple glazing
- Low-carbon heating systems (for example, air-source heat pumps or biomass boilers)
- Solar panels to generate renewable energy
These upgrades may require more planning and investment, but they could deliver significant long-term benefits for comfort, running costs and sustainability.
We recommend that you carry out an independent retrofit assessment to find out which works are suitable for your home and budget.
Step 4: Use your EPC recommendations as a guide
Your EPC certificate is a useful starting point. It lists the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s efficiency, prioritised by their impact on your rating.
Use this list to decide which measures make sense for you — perhaps start with insulation before considering renewable energy. Building efficiency in stages is often the smartest, most affordable route.
Step 5: Access responsible finance to make improvements
At Lendology, we understand that even small upgrades come with costs. That’s why we partner with councils to offer responsible, low-cost finance that could help you carry out home improvements.
Our Energy Efficiency Loans may help homeowners fund:
- Insulation and glazing
- Heating upgrades
- Renewable energy systems
- Essential home repairs
Our approach is people-first — we look at your full circumstances, not just your credit score, to see how we can help.
Loans are subject to status and are typically protected by a Title Restriction. Missing payments could affect your credit rating and ability to obtain credit in the future.
You can check if your local council partners with us by visiting our Council Partners page.
Step 6: Maintain your EPC rating over time
Once you’ve improved your home, keep it performing efficiently by:
- Servicing your boiler or heating system regularly
- Checking window and door seals each year
- Topping up insulation when needed
- Reassessing your EPC every ten years or after major works
Good maintenance helps preserve your home’s comfort and energy performance.
Conclusion: Small steps, lasting impact
Improving your EPC rating isn’t just about cutting bills — it’s about creating a home that’s warmer, greener and ready for the future.
Every improvement, however small, brings you closer to a more efficient and comfortable living space.
At Lendology, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to make their home more energy efficient. Whether you’re ready for major upgrades or just starting with little fixes, we’re here to help.
Explore how Lendology can help you improve your home’s energy efficiency: https://www.lendology.org.uk/loans/energy-efficiency-loans/
