An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating shows how energy-efficient a home or building is. It’s rated from A to G—A means very efficient, and G means not efficient at all. The rating is based on things like insulation, heating systems, and boiler performance. EPC ratings help homeowners, landlords, and tenants understand how much energy their home uses and where they can make improvements to save money and reduce carbon emissions.

If you haven’t thought about improving your home’s EPC rating, now is a good time to start. It doesn’t cost much because the ECO4 scheme helps cover the full cost, but the benefits can last for years. For example, if you’re a homeowner looking to rent out or sell your property, a good EPC rating can help you get a better price. Improving your EPC rating also means making your home more energy efficient. Simple upgrades like adding insulation, replacing an old boiler with a combi boiler, or switching to a low-carbon heat pump can make a big difference. These changes can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round. Lastly, improving your EPC rating helps the environment. It shows how energy-efficient your home is and helps you find ways to cut down on carbon emissions.

If your home qualifies under the ECO4 grant, Heat1 can install a range of energy-efficient upgrades completely free of charge. This government-backed initiative is designed to support low-income and vulnerable households living in energy-inefficient homes (typically those with an EPC rating of D, E, F or G). By focusing on the least efficient properties, ECO4 helps households reduce fuel bills, cut carbon emissions, and achieve long-term energy savings.

All of these upgrades can have a major impact on your EPC score.

Improving your home’s energy efficiency and EPC rating can be easier than you think. With Heat1, you can upgrade to a new condensing boiler, install a heat pump, improve insulation, or switch to energy-efficient heating—all through government-backed schemes like ECO4. Our experts will guide you through simple upgrades that turn your home into an energy-efficient space—one that uses less energy, keeps you warmer, and reduces carbon emissions. Let’s get started.

A common reason for a low EPC rating is having an old or inefficient boiler. The older your boiler is, the more energy it uses and the less heat it provides. This not only increases your energy bills but also leads to higher carbon emissions. Upgrading to a new boiler, such as modern combi boilers, can boost your EPC rating by up to 40%. These boiler grants are highly efficient and use less energy to heat your home, making them a smart choice for both comfort and savings. However, replacing an old boiler can be costly—it may require thousands of pounds, plus installation and other fees. The good news is that you may not have to cover the cost yourself. You can apply for support through the ECO4 Boiler Grant Scheme. This grant is available to UK homeowners. If your current boiler is over 20 years old and you receive certain government benefits—like Child Benefit, Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit, or Housing Benefit—you may qualify. Simply enter your postcode to check your eligibility. Once your back boiler is replaced with an energy-efficient condensing boiler, your home will be more energy-efficient, your EPC rating will improve, and your property’s value may increase.

Loft insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make your home more energy efficient. It helps prevent heat from escaping through the roof, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. For best results, it’s recommended to install insulation that is at least 270 mm thick and with an ECO4 insulation grant, the cost could be fully covered. Loft insulations also help keep your home at a steady temperature, so you don’t have to rely as much on your heating—saving you money on energy bills.

If you’re worried about high energy bills, using renewable energy is a smart long-term solution. Installing systems like first-time central heating or air-source heat pumps can help power your home and save energy for years to come. It’s one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient. The only downside is the cost—renewable energy systems can be expensive to install. But if you’re thinking about switching to renewable energy, you can apply through the ECO4 scheme to get started for free and upgrade your home step by step.

Solid wall insulation is a great way to save energy, especially in older homes with solid walls. It involves adding insulation to either the inside (internal wall insulation) or outside of the wall to stop heat from escaping. Internal wall insulation is often used when external insulation isn’t suitable, and it works just as well to keep your home warm. When properly installed, both solid and internal wall insulation help maintain a steady indoor temperature—keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. They reduce heat loss, lower energy bills, and make your home more comfortable. Most importantly, they can significantly improve your EPC rating by making your home more energy efficient.

You may qualify for free home upgrades with Heat1 if:

1. Your home has an EPC rating of D, E, F or G

2. You are a low-income household with energy costs taking up a large portion of your income

3. Your home is off the gas grid or relies on outdated heating

4. Your current boiler must be a non-condensing model, installed before 2005 or be over 20 years old.

5. You receive government benefits

There are many great reasons to improve your EPC rating—beyond just making your home more energy efficient. Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of having a higher EPC score:

Many people in the UK are struggling with high energy bills. But upgrading to energy-efficient systems like modern boilers and air source heat pumps can help. These systems use less energy and produce more heat, which means lower bills and better comfort. Replacing an inefficient or broken boiler with new boiler grants is also a great way to improve your EPC rating and save money. If you’re worried about rising costs, now is the time to act. Improving your EPC rating is a smart one-time investment that can help you save money for many years.

When a home loses heat and uses more energy, it often relies more on systems like a gas boiler or an old heating system, leading to higher gas use and increased carbon emissions. These harmful emissions contribute to global warming and damage the environment. Upgrading to an energy-efficient home with a high EPC rating helps reduce energy use, lower emissions, and protect the planet. By switching from an outdated gas boiler to a modern combi boiler or installing a renewable heat pump, you can greatly cut down on fuel consumption. The best part? You may qualify for help through the ECO4 scheme, which can cover the cost of energy-saving upgrades. These improvements not only support a cleaner, greener environment but also help you save money on your energy bills.

Installing loft insulation or solid wall insulation helps prevent damp, mould, and heat loss—common issues that can damage your home over time. These types of insulation help keep the heat inside, which reduces energy loss and keeps your home warmer for longer. These upgrades keep your house warmer, reduce energy bills, and extend the life of your property, all while boosting your EPC rating.

Improving your home’s EPC rating doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right help, you can make your home warmer, greener, and cheaper to run. Heat1 combines expert advice, professional installation, and access to free government funding to help homeowners upgrade their properties with ease. If you’re serious about cutting energy bills and raising your EPC rating, heat1.co.uk is the partner you need.