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Why should you improve your property’s EPC rating?
Improving your EPC rating helps your home use less energy, which can reduce your bills. And as a bonus, using less energy is also better for the environment.
LED bulbs
LED (Light emitting diodes), bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
Swapping halogen lightbulbs for energy‑efficient LEDs costs around £180 and could save around £45 a year in Great Britain and £55 a year in Northern Ireland, according to Energy Saving Trust (2026).
LEDs work in the same fittings and can be used with regular or dimmer switches. To reduce waste, you can replace your existing bulbs as they reach the end of their life rather than changing all of them at once.
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Draughts
Heat escaping through cracks, gaps and holes in your windows, doors or even a chimney could be cooling your home while you’re also spending money to heat it up.
Simple DIY measures, like applying sealant round old window frames or doors could help reduce draughts. Or you could get the help of a professional and benefit from their draught-proofing know-how.
Remember, some ventilation is necessary, to avoid problems like damp, so don’t block any air vents.
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Heating
Smart thermostats and radiator controls make use of the latest technology to help you manage your energy use. They could even save you money. Connecting to your home Wi-Fi, these thermostats can be used as normal thermostats that you control manually. Some can even learn your daily habits, turning the heating off when you are out and heating your home ready for when you get in. Some can even adjust the heating based on the weather.
Taking it further, fitting thermostat controls on your radiators and linking them to your smart thermostat can allow you to control or turn off radiators in different rooms that are not needed. Another simple tip is to bleed your radiators several times a year. All you need is a radiator key (you can pick one up for around £5), a tub to catch the water and a towel – that’s it.
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Loft
Did you know that around a quarter of all heat lost from a property escapes through the roof? Most homes have some loft insulation, but it can often be made much more effective. Loft insulation is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to improve your EPC rating and save energy.
Increasing loft insulation from 120mm to at least 270mm can make a big difference in reducing heat loss and could lower your overall yearly energy use, according to Energy Saving Trust (2026). If your loft is easy to access and has no damp or condensation issues, you may be able to insulate it yourself. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with a professional to make sure it’s fitted correctly.
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Walls
Around one third of all the heat lost from a typical property escapes through the walls, according to Energy Saving Trust (2026).
Most UK properties have cavity walls, meaning there is a gap between the inner and outer wall. This gap is usually filled with, or can be filled with, insulation to help prevent heat loss. If your property has cavity walls, check that they are insulated. By insulating the cavity you will reduce heat loss. In general, houses built from the 1930s will have a cavity wall but a professional will confirm if this is the case for your property.
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Floor insulation
If your property is a house or a ground‑floor flat, floor insulation could be another effective way to save energy, reduce heat loss and potentially improve your EPC rating.
According to the Energy Saving Trust (2026) floor insulation could save you around £70 a year in a semi‑detached home in Great Britain (and £70 in Northern Ireland). For detached homes, savings could be around £120 a year in both GB and NI. In most cases, you’ll need a professional installer to carry out the work.
A smaller quick fix you can attempt is to seal the gaps between your floor and skirting boards to reduce draughts. You can do this with a standard tube of sealant that you should be able to pick up from most DIY stores. Just make sure your home has enough ventilation to maintain good air quality.
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What is an EPC certificate
An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates how energy efficient a property is and shows how it could be made more efficient.
NatWest Home Energy Plan
Tell us your postcode and your free Home Energy Plan will show actions you could take to reduce the amount of energy you use.
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Energy saving guides
From insulation to solar panels, check out our guides to making home improvements that could save you money over time.
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