Improvements that usually raise an EPC rating
Every home is different, and your certificate lists the recommendations that fit your property. As a general guide:
| Improvement | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Loft insulation | Low | Topping up to around 270mm is one of the cheapest ways to add points. |
| Cavity wall insulation | Low to medium | Only for suitable cavity walls. Keep the guarantee as evidence. |
| Modern condensing boiler | Medium | Replacing an old, inefficient boiler often gives one of the biggest gains. |
| Heating controls | Low | A programmer, room thermostat and TRVs help the heating system score better. |
| Double or triple glazing | Medium to high | Makes most difference where single glazing remains. |
| Low-energy lighting | Low | A small gain, but quick and cheap to do. |
| Solar PV panels | High | Can add significant points. Keep installation paperwork. |
| Heat pump | High | Can change the rating significantly. Best planned alongside insulation. |
Evidence makes a difference
An assessor can only record what they can see or prove. Keep these documents ready for your visit:
- Cavity wall, floor or internal wall insulation guarantees
- FENSA or installer certificates for windows and doors
- Boiler installation or Gas Safe commissioning records
- Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certificates for solar panels or heat pumps
- Building control completion certificates for extensions or loft conversions
Why experience matters
Wall types, insulation depth, glazing age and heating systems all need to be identified correctly. Our team is led by Carl Harvey, who has been assessing homes since EPCs were introduced, so our assessors know what to look for and how to record it accurately.
Planning a bigger upgrade?
For whole-house retrofit, especially funded schemes, work should follow PAS 2035. Our parent company My Home Survey Ltd provides retrofit coordination through home-surveyors.com.
Last updated: 17 September 2026. Costs and gains are general guidance only.