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How can I improve the EPC rating of my property?

Last modified: 05.06.2018
How can I improve the EPC rating of my property?

Would you turn down tens of thousands of pounds? 

That’s exactly what many homeowners are doing by failing to improve their property’s EPC rating. While kitchens and bathrooms often take priority when it comes to home improvements, energy efficiency is increasingly becoming one of the biggest drivers of property value in the UK. 

One of the most effective ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency and its EPC rating is through external wall insulation (EWI).

An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rates a property’s energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient and G the least. By law, an EPC is required whenever a property is built, sold or rented. It plays a growing role in how buyers, tenants and lenders assess a home’s value. 

If you’re unsure whether your property already has an EPC rating or want to check the rating of a home you’re considering, you can use the official Find an Energy Certificate service to look it up online.

A property’s value depends on many factors, including location, condition, layout, and appearance, but energy efficiency now plays a much bigger role than it once did. 

Buyers are increasingly cautious about purchasing properties with a low EPC rating, particularly those rated F and G. These homes are often seen as higher risk because improving their energy efficiency can require significant upfront investment. As a result, buyers may negotiate harder on price or avoid them altogether. 

On the other hand,improving your property’s EPC rating to a B or A can significantly increase its attractiveness. Energy-efficient homes typically offer lower running costs, greater comfort and future-proofing against rising energy prices. These are all factors that can positively influence both demand and resale value. 

External wall insulation works by adding a continuous layer of insulation to the outside of a property’s external walls. This creates a protective thermal envelope that reduces heat loss and shields the structure from external elements such as rain, frost and temperature fluctuations. 

Much like wearing a coat helps retain body heat, external wall insulation helps a property retain warmth internally, making it more energy efficient and comfortable to live in. Due to the reduced amount of heat escaping through the walls, the heating system does not need to work as hard to maintain a consistent internal temperature. 

It’s important to note that for maximum effectiveness, external wall insulation should be installed alongside other measures such as adequate  loft or roof insulation, to prevent heat loss elsewhere in the property. 

External wall insulation can lead to noticeable improvements in a property’s EPC rating, particularly in homes with solid walls and poor existing insulation. In many cases, installing EWI can help improve a property by one EPC band, such as moving from a D rating to a C, depending on factors like insulation thickness, property size and existing energy efficiency measures. 

For properties with very low EPC ratings, combining external wall insulation with other upgrades such as loft insulation or improved heating systems can result in even greater improvement. 

External wall insulation is particularly effective for properties with solid external walls, which are common in homes built before the 1920s. Unlike cavity wall properties, solid wall homes tend to lose heat much more quickly, making them ideal candidates for EWI.

  • Detached, semi-detached and end-of-terrace houses Often benefit the most as they have a larger external wall area exposed to the elements. In many cases, installing external wall insulation can significantly improve comfort, reduce heat loss and increase EPC ratings. 

  • Flats and terraced properties: These often require agreement from neighbouring property owners, freeholders or managing agents, particularly where insulation is installed across multiple dwellings. 

  • New-build properties: Typically constructed to modern energy efficiency standards and may already have adequate insulation in place. As a result, external wall insulation is usually more beneficial for older properties with little or no existing wall insulation. 

EWI insulation is a highly effective way to improve a property’s thermal performance, reduce heat loss and lower energy consumption. As a result, it can play a significant role in improving a property’s EPC rating. 

However, external wall insulation is not always a standalone solution, particularly for properties with very low EPC ratings. EPC assessments consider multiple aspects of a home’s energy efficiency and the greatest improvements are often achieved when insulation upgrades are combined. 

Other measures that can significantly contribute to improving an EPC rating include: 

  • Loft or roof insulation 

  • Double or triple glazing 

  • Floor insulation 

  • Efficient main heating systems 

  • Modern heating controls and thermostats 

  • Low-energy lighting 

For best results, external wall insulation should form part of a wider energy efficiency strategy, tailored to the specific property. 

The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) legislation requires that, from 1st April 2018, landlords must ensure that properties rented or re-let have a minimum EPC rating of E or above. Properties below this threshold may not legally be let until their energy efficiency is improved. 

For full compliance with MEES, it is recommended to have a professional survey to assess the property and determine which improvements are necessary. 

  • Survey first: identify existing insulation, wall type and other energy-saving measures 

  • Installation time: Typically 2 weeks, depending on weather and property size 

  • Minimal disruption: Work is carried out externally, so tenants inside experience little interference 

  • Acoustic benefits: Mineral wool systems can improve sound insulation, especially on busy roads 

  • EPC impact: Combined with other improvements (loft insulation, efficient heating), EWI can help achieve an EPC rating of E or above. 

External wall insulation can also increase the appeal of your property to tenants by reducing energy costs and improving comfort. When installed correctly and alongside other energy efficiency measures, it is a practical and future-proof way to meet MEES requirements. 

Short answer: YES! 

EWI provides significant long-term benefits for homeowners and landlords. Key advantages include: 

  • Improved aesthetics: A modern external finish can enhance the look of your property

  • Energy savings: reduces heating costs by improving thermal efficiency 

  • Moisture control: Property-installed insulation can help prevent damp and mould 

  • Increased property value: Improved EPC ratings can make your home more attractive to buyers or tenants 

The exact cost and impact of EWI depend on your property’s existing insulation. For example: 

  • Homes with moderate insulation may only require a 20mm insulation board, keeping upfront costs relatively low while still providing significant energy savings. 

  • Homes with poor insulation may require thicker coverage, increasing initial costs, but the long-term savings on energy bills and potential EPC-related property value increases can still make it a worthwhile investment. 

For the best results, it is highly recommended to have a professional assessment to determine the optimal insulation thickness and ensure maximum efficiency and compliance. EWI Pro has a large team of approved installers all over the country. They are more than willing to put homeowners in touch with these installers and will even advise on the appropriate thickness of insulation and which coloured renders to choose. 

Answer: External wall insulation can typically improve a property by one EPC band (e.g. from D to C), depending on wall type, insulation thickness and other energy-saving measures. Combining EWI with loft insulation or efficient heating can lead to even greater improvements. 

Answer: EWI works best on solid wall homes, common in older properties. Detached, semi-detached and end-of-terrace homes often benefit most. Flats or terraced homes may require agreement from neighbours or freeholders. 

Answer: EWI can help raise a property’s EPC rating, making it easier to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES). For full compliance, a professional survey is recommended to determine necessary improvements. 

Answer: Installation typically takes around two weeks, depending on weather, property size and complexity. Due to the work being done externally, disruption to tenants is minimal. 

Answer: Yes. Systems using mineral wool insulation can improve acoustic performance, reducing the amount of external noise entering the property, especially useful for homes on busy roads. 

Answer: EWI can provide long-term energy savings, improved comfort, better aesthetics and higher EPC ratings, which can increase property value. The exact benefit depends on your property’s existing insulation and energy efficiency.