An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is more than a letter grade for your property. Turn to its recommendations page and you will find a practical shortlist of improvements, from simple fixes to bigger upgrades.
For landlords, that list can be a useful starting point when a property sits at band E or F. You do not necessarily need to start with major building work. Begin with the measures that are straightforward to check, then use the report to decide whether more substantial work is worth considering.
Here’s how to work through it, what may improve the rating, and what is unlikely to make the assessor reach for a higher band.
Start with the recommendations, not a renovation plan
Your EPC recommendations are based on the property’s recorded features and the assessment methodology. They are suggestions, not a promise that every item will move the rating up by a full band.
Treat the page as a property-specific to-do list. Check that each recommendation makes sense for the home, then note which improvements are already in place. If the report suggests insulating a hot-water cylinder but the cylinder already has suitable insulation, for example, make sure the assessor can verify that during a future assessment.
The order on the report may not be the order that makes most sense for your property. Work from lower-disruption measures towards bigger changes, and keep records of what you complete. The key is to improve the features that the EPC calculation actually recognises, not to renovate for renovation’s sake.
1. Begin with low-energy lighting
Replacing inefficient lamps with low-energy lighting is often one of the simplest recommendations to tackle. It is a small job, and it can be especially relevant in a property with several fixed light fittings.
Check the whole property rather than changing one bulb and declaring victory. Where possible, use suitable low-energy lamps consistently and keep a note of what has been changed. The assessor records lighting as part of the assessment, so the type and number of fixed fittings matter.
A new table lamp or a row of attractive pendant shades may improve the room. They do not automatically improve its EPC rating. Focus on the fixed lighting that the assessment takes into account.
2. Check doors and windows for draughts
Draught-proofing can make a home feel more comfortable and may reduce unwanted heat loss. Check the edges of external doors, letterboxes and windows for gaps, worn seals or loose fittings.
Choose a suitable solution for the part of the property you are treating. Keep ventilation in mind: a home needs controlled airflow, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Blocking necessary vents can create damp and condensation problems, which is not an energy-efficiency win.
Draught-proofing is most useful when you address the actual source of the draught. A door brush will not fix a badly fitting window, and a scented candle cannot be counted as a ventilation strategy.
3. Insulate the hot-water cylinder
If the property has a hot-water cylinder, check whether it is insulated and whether the insulation is in good condition. A suitable cylinder jacket or insulation can reduce heat escaping from stored hot water.
This recommendation will not apply to every home. Many properties use different hot-water systems, and some cylinders may already have adequate insulation. Check the EPC and the actual installation before arranging work.
Keep evidence of any upgrade, such as an invoice or product information. It helps you track what has changed and gives a future assessor useful information to verify. Small improvements are easier to manage when you can show what was done and when.
4. Then consider the bigger recommendations
If the simpler measures are complete, or your EPC identifies them as insufficient, look at the more involved recommendations. Depending on the property, these may include loft or wall insulation, heating controls, an improved heating system, or renewable technologies.
Do not choose a major measure based on the headline alone. Check whether it suits the building, whether it is compatible with the existing heating system, and whether the property needs additional ventilation or other work alongside it. For older homes in London and Kent, construction type and existing features can affect what is practical.
Where a recommendation is unclear, ask an appropriately qualified professional to assess the property before proceeding. That extra check can prevent you from installing something that is unsuitable or expecting a particular band improvement that the EPC cannot guarantee.
What actually changes an EPC rating?
An EPC rating reflects the property’s assessed energy performance, expressed as a score and a band from A to G. The assessment considers features such as insulation, heating and hot-water systems, controls, lighting and other relevant details.
Improvements to those assessed features may change the result, but the exact effect depends on the property and the information recorded. A measure that makes a noticeable difference in one home may have a more modest effect in another. The only reliable way to confirm the new rating is to have a fresh EPC assessment after the work is complete.
That distinction matters if you are trying to improve an EPC rating E property or move a property up from band F. A set of sensible upgrades may improve the score, but there is no universal checklist that guarantees a particular band.
What usually doesn’t change the rating?
A property can look much better without its EPC rating changing. Fresh paint, new curtains, tidy cupboards and a more stylish kitchen can all help presentation, but they do not directly upgrade the energy features recorded in the assessment.
Likewise, replacing a freestanding fridge or washing machine does not necessarily alter the EPC result. The assessment focuses on the building and relevant fixed systems, rather than giving points for a smart-looking appliance.
A further important point: completing work does not automatically update the certificate. If you need the EPC to reflect the improvements, arrange a new assessment and make sure the assessor can inspect the relevant features. Keep receipts, product details and any installation records to hand.
A landlord’s practical checklist
If you manage a property with a landlord EPC in band E or F, take a measured approach:
- Read the recommendations and check them against the property as it stands.
- Start with suitable, lower-disruption improvements such as lighting, draught-proofing and cylinder insulation.
- Record completed work and retain supporting evidence.
- Review any larger recommendations with a qualified professional.
- Arrange a new EPC assessment if you need the certificate to reflect the changes.
For rented homes in England and Wales, the current minimum energy-efficiency standard generally requires an in-scope property to reach band E, unless a valid exemption applies. Check the rules that apply to your property and keep up to date with official guidance. The immediate practical point is simple: know the property’s current position and do not assume a completed improvement has changed its recorded rating.
Improve the property, and keep the evidence clear
EPC improvements work best when you connect the recommendation to the actual property, complete suitable measures, and keep a clear record. That approach helps you avoid unnecessary work and gives you a sound basis for deciding what to do next.
Evestaff Property Inventory Clerks was founded in 2012 and has served landlords and property professionals across London and Kent for more than 12 years. Our highly experienced clerks use modern technology and meticulous documentation to record property condition, and Evestaff is an accredited member of ECMK. An inventory is not an EPC assessment, but clear property records help you manage the home with confidence. Find out more about Evestaff’s property inventory services.
And, if a fellow landlord or property professional could use our help, feel free to pass along our Refer a Friend offer. New customers receive 10% off their first booking. A rather pleasing improvement that requires no insulation work at all.
Join The Discussion