How can I improve my EPC rating from D to C?

If, like the majority of properties in the UK, your home has an EPC rating of D, then you should be able to increase your rating to a C fairly easily. Replace your light bulbs Traditional incandescent light bulbs drain your electricity and replacing them with LEDs can save you significant amounts of energy. Increase your insulation If your home has poorly insulated walls, then you could be losing massive amounts of heat, which is bad for the environment and your bank account. Adding an extra layer of insulation is one of the most obvious yet effective ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Don’t forget to also check that your roof is properly insulated as this can be a major source of heat loss. Replace your boiler Replacing your boiler can be expensive, but it could have a big impact on your EPC rating and reduce your home’s carbon footprint significantly. Modern boilers are much more efficient, meaning they use less energy and cost less to run.

An average property in the UK has an EPC of D with an EPC score of 60, so upgrading from 60 points to a C (minimum 69 points) is a nine-point increase, and usually that doesn’t require expensive work. There are a number of inexpensive and simple measures a landlord can take such as new LED eco-bulbs costing a few pounds and adding TRV radiator valves - if the property does not have them - for example would improve the EPC at least one point for each measure. Improvements It's also important to point out that some landlords have already made energy efficiency improvements since they last had an EPC done, as EPC certificates must be carried out every 10 years. These landlords may not need to spend any money at all but instead get an up-to-date EPC carried out, which Tanner says is particularly so for landlords with a current EPC score in the mid to late 60s. From my experience of helping landlords improve their EPC to a C the expense of improving from D to C is substantially less than £5,000, although of course every property is different.