EPC Recommendations Explained: Which Improvements Should You Do First?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) does more than give your property an energy rating. It also provides recommendations that can help you understand where energy efficiency improvements may be worthwhile.

However, knowing which improvement to tackle first is not always straightforward. Some recommendations may involve relatively simple changes, while others require professional advice, a larger budget or further investigation.

If you own, sell or rent a property in London, understanding your EPC recommendations can help you plan improvements more effectively. This guide explains how to read your report, compare potential upgrades and decide on the next steps.

What Are EPC Recommendations?

EPC recommendations are suggestions for improving a property’s energy efficiency. They are included in the certificate’s recommendation section.

Depending on the property, these suggestions may cover insulation, heating, hot water, lighting and renewable energy technologies.

An EPC also provides an energy efficiency rating from A to G, with A representing the most efficient rating and G the least efficient.

The recommendations are intended to help property owners understand possible improvements. However, they are not automatically a list of compulsory building works.

For official information, consult the government’s Energy Performance Certificate guidance.

1. Check Your Current EPC Rating

Start by checking your property’s current EPC rating. This gives you a useful starting point for understanding its energy performance.

A property with a lower rating may have opportunities for improvement. However, the rating alone does not tell you which measure should come first.

Review the certificate alongside its recommendations. Pay attention to the existing insulation, heating system, windows and other features recorded by the assessor.

If you do not have a copy of your certificate, use the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.

You can also read our guide on EPC requirements before selling or renting a property in London to understand why checking your certificate should form part of your property preparation.

2. Understand the Recommended Improvements

Your EPC report may list several ways to improve energy efficiency. Each recommendation should be considered in the context of your property’s construction, condition and intended use.

Insulation improvements

Insulation can help reduce heat loss and improve comfort.

Depending on the property, recommendations may include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or other suitable insulation measures.

Before arranging work, check the property’s existing construction. Traditional buildings, solid walls and properties with moisture problems may need specialist advice.

Heating system improvements

Heating recommendations may involve improving heating controls, reviewing an existing boiler or considering a more efficient heating system.

The right approach depends on the current installation, the property’s insulation and the heating requirements of its occupants.

Do not replace a functioning system simply because a recommendation appears on the report. Compare the potential benefits, costs and suitability of the proposed change first.

Lighting improvements

Lighting is another area that may appear in an EPC report.

Where older lighting remains in use, suitable energy-efficient alternatives may reduce electricity consumption. However, check compatibility, fitting requirements and the actual cost of making the change.

Renewable energy options

Some reports recommend technologies such as solar photovoltaic panels.

These systems may be worth investigating, but suitability depends on factors such as roof orientation, shading, structural considerations and installation costs.

For further guidance, read our article about selling a property with solar panels in London. Before installing equipment, obtain appropriate technical advice and compare realistic costs with expected benefits.

3. Which EPC Improvements Should You Do First?

There is no single improvement order that suits every property. A practical approach is to assess the condition of the building, the expected benefits and the cost of each proposed measure.

Consider the following priorities.

First, address urgent property problems

Check for issues such as water ingress, damp, damaged roof coverings or ventilation problems before undertaking insulation or other building work.

These issues may need attention to prevent further damage. Insulation should be appropriate for the building and must not create new moisture problems.

Second, review insulation and heat loss

Look at the property’s existing insulation and identify any obvious gaps or areas that need professional assessment.

Reducing heat loss may improve comfort and support the performance of the heating system. However, the most appropriate measure will depend on the property’s construction.

Third, assess heating and controls

Once you understand the building’s condition, review the heating system and its controls.

A heating engineer can help identify whether repairs, improved controls or a replacement system would be suitable.

Fourth, compare the costs and benefits

Request quotations before committing to significant work. Compare the installation costs, likely energy savings, maintenance requirements and expected lifespan of each measure.

This helps you distinguish practical improvements from projects that may not offer sufficient value for your circumstances.

4. Do EPC Recommendations Have to Be Followed?

An EPC recommendation is not automatically a legal requirement to carry out the suggested work.

However, property owners and landlords should distinguish between optional energy-efficiency improvements and applicable legal obligations.

For example, qualifying privately rented properties in England and Wales may be subject to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. The rules, relevant exemptions and applicable requirements depend on the property and its circumstances.

Landlords should review the official GOV.UK domestic private rented property MEES guidance before making decisions.

Owners of commercial rental properties should consult the separate non-domestic MEES guidance.

Do not assume that every property is covered by the same rules. Seek professional advice if you are unsure about your obligations.

5. Will Making Improvements Increase Your EPC Rating?

Suitable energy-efficiency improvements may help increase a property’s EPC rating. However, the result depends on the building, the existing features and the measures installed.

For example, adding suitable insulation may reduce heat loss. Improving heating controls may also help the system operate more efficiently.

Nevertheless, no particular improvement guarantees a specific rating increase.

The final rating depends on the assessment of the property as a whole. An accredited energy assessor evaluates relevant building features and services using the applicable assessment methodology.

If you plan to make substantial improvements, keep records of the work completed. Product specifications, installation details and relevant certificates may help an assessor understand the changes.

After the work, consider whether a new EPC assessment is appropriate for your circumstances.

6. How Much Should You Budget for EPC Improvements?

The cost of improving a property varies considerably.

A relatively simple change may cost much less than replacing a heating system or insulating a large building. Property size, accessibility, materials and labour can all affect the final price.

Before starting work, consider these steps:

• Obtain quotations from suitable contractors.

• Check whether additional repairs are necessary.

• Compare the estimated energy savings with the upfront cost.

• Consider ongoing maintenance requirements.

• Check whether grants or financial support are available.

• Confirm whether planning permission, building regulations or other approvals may apply.

The Simple Energy Advice information on GOV.UK can help you explore energy-efficiency improvements and relevant guidance.

Avoid choosing an improvement based on the EPC recommendation alone. The best decision should account for your property’s condition, your budget and your long-term plans.

7. EPC Improvements for Landlords

Landlords should consider energy efficiency alongside their wider responsibilities for preparing a property for rent.

Start by checking whether the property has a valid EPC and whether any applicable minimum energy-efficiency requirements need attention.

Next, review the recommendations and identify measures that may be practical before the next tenancy.

Our guide to EPC requirements for landlords in London provides a useful starting point for preparing a rental property.

If you manage a house in multiple occupation, the arrangements may require additional consideration. Read our guide to EPC requirements for HMO properties in London for more information.

For rented properties, always check the current rules and the precise circumstances before relying on general guidance.

8. Why an Accurate EPC Matters Before Selling or Renting

An EPC helps prospective buyers and tenants understand a property’s energy performance. It also gives them information about potential improvements.

In England and Wales, an EPC is generally valid for ten years, although a newer certificate may replace an older one. You should check the official register rather than assume that a certificate is still valid.

If you are preparing to market a property, arrange the required documentation in good time.

You can explore Urgent EPC’s EPC assessment services for information about arranging an assessment in London.

Preparing the EPC alongside your other property documents can help you organise the marketing process more efficiently.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following EPC Recommendations

Property owners can make better decisions by avoiding a few common mistakes.

Ignoring the building’s condition: Insulation and heating improvements should suit the property’s construction and existing condition.

Assuming every recommendation is compulsory: Check the relevant regulations before deciding which work is legally required.

Choosing the cheapest quotation automatically: Consider the quality of the work, the contractor’s experience and the long-term value.

Expecting a guaranteed rating increase: An improvement may help, but the final EPC rating depends on the full assessment.

Failing to keep records: Retain relevant invoices, product details and installation certificates for future reference.

Using outdated information: EPC rules and government guidance can change. Consult current official sources when making decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I improve my EPC rating without major renovation work?

Potentially, yes. Some properties may benefit from relatively straightforward improvements, such as suitable lighting upgrades or better heating controls. The best options depend on the existing property and its EPC recommendations.

Do I need a new EPC after making improvements?

Not automatically in every case. However, a new assessment may be useful if you want the certificate to reflect significant changes. Check the relevant requirements before arranging one.

Are EPC recommendations legally binding?

The recommendations themselves are generally advisory. Separate legal requirements may apply to certain properties, particularly in the private rented sector. Check the applicable rules for your circumstances.

Can I choose which EPC improvements to make?

You can generally decide which optional improvements are suitable for your property. However, you must still comply with any applicable legal obligations, safety requirements and necessary approvals.

Who can help me understand my EPC report?

An accredited energy assessor can explain the assessment and its recommendations. Depending on the proposed work, you may also need advice from a qualified heating engineer, insulation specialist or other building professional.

Final Thoughts

EPC recommendations can help property owners identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency. The key is to understand the report, assess the property’s condition and compare improvements before committing to work.

Start with practical priorities, obtain suitable professional advice and check the applicable legal requirements. This approach can help you make informed decisions without spending money on measures that are unsuitable for your property.

If you need an EPC for a property in London, visit Urgent EPC to explore the available services and arrange your next steps.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal, technical or financial advice. Always check current government guidance and obtain specialist advice where appropriate.

Related Property Guides

If you are preparing a property for sale or rent, these additional guides may also help.

• Lease Plans for Mixed-Use Buildings — Read this guide to understand lease-plan considerations for properties with mixed residential and commercial uses.

• EPC for HMO Properties in London — Learn more about EPC considerations for houses in multiple occupation and their landlords.