EPC rules explained and how to improve your EPC rating (Bolton guide)

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) shows how energy-efficient a home is, rated A (best) to G (worst). It also includes recommended upgrades and a “potential rating” if improvements are made.

When do you need an EPC?

You must have an EPC when you’re selling, renting out, or building a property, and you must order it before you start marketing the home for sale or rent.

How long it lasts: EPCs are generally valid for 10 years (or until a newer EPC is produced).

EPC rules for landlords (the key point)

For most domestic private rented properties in England, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) requires the home to be EPC band E or above unless a valid exemption applies.

If your rental is F or G, you’ll usually need to improve the property or register an exemption before letting (and enforcement can include financial penalties).

How to improve your EPC rating (simple, practical steps)

1) Start with quick wins (low cost, fast impact)

These often help immediately and also make the home feel warmer:

• Switch all bulbs to LED

• Add/upgrade heating controls (room thermostat, programmer, TRVs)

• Hot water cylinder jacket (if you have a cylinder)

• Draught-proofing around doors/letterboxes and obvious gaps

Tip: Keep receipts/photos—useful evidence, and it helps when you renew the EPC.

2) Insulation upgrades (usually the biggest EPC “movers”)

If you want a meaningful jump (especially from D/E upwards), insulation is often the best value:

• Loft insulation (top priority if thin or missing)

• Cavity wall insulation (if suitable)

• Solid wall insulation (bigger cost, bigger change—common in older terraces)

• Floor insulation where practical

Important: insulation must be done properly (ventilation matters) to avoid damp/condensation issues.

3) Improve heating and hot water efficiency

Depending on your current system, EPC gains can come from:

• Upgrading an older boiler to a modern efficient model (where appropriate)

• Upgrading radiators/controls so the system runs efficiently

• Considering low-carbon heating as part of a bigger upgrade plan (especially if insulation is improved first)

4) Renewables (best after the basics)

If insulation and heating are in good shape, solar PV can help your EPC and reduce bills.

5) Check what support is available (while it’s open)

Two common schemes homeowners/landlords ask about:

• Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS): installations must be completed by 31 March 2026.

• Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS): grants are currently £7,500 for eligible heat pumps and £5,000 for eligible biomass boilers (criteria apply).

The “best order” to upgrade for EPC

If you want the cleanest approach that usually improves the score most:

1. Heating controls + LEDs

2. Loft insulation

3. Wall insulation (if suitable)

4. Heating/hot water upgrades

5. Solar PV

6. Get a new EPC after works are complete (so the improved rating shows)

Need help in Bolton?

If you’re selling or letting, Open House Estate Agents Bolton can help you:

• Arrange an EPC with an accredited assessor

• Identify the improvements most likely to lift your rating

• Market your property confidently with the right paperwork in place

If you tell me your property type (terrace/semi/flat), heating type (combi/system/electric), and your current EPC letter, I’ll give you a short, prioritised upgrade list tailored to that setup.

CONTACT US AT: 01204 589600