EPC London: How to Improve Your Property’s Energy Rating

If you own, rent out or manage a property in London, your EPC rating is worth understanding. An Energy Performance Certificate shows how energy efficient a property is. It gives the property a rating from A to G. A is the most efficient and G is the least efficient.

For landlords, homeowners and businesses, an EPC can also show where energy performance may be improved. If you need an EPC London assessment, it helps to know what the assessor looks at and what can improve your rating.

What Is an EPC?

An Energy Performance Certificate gives an overview of a building’s energy performance. It considers features such as insulation, heating, windows and lighting.

The certificate shows the current energy rating. It also shows the potential rating that may be possible after suitable improvements. You will also find recommendations that can help make the property more energy efficient.

You can check whether a property already has a certificate through the official GOV.UK Find an Energy Certificate service.

Why Is an EPC Important in London?

London has a wide mix of properties. There are older houses, converted flats, modern apartments, shops, offices and many other types of buildings. Their energy performance can be very different.

An EPC London assessment helps you understand how energy efficient your property is.

An EPC is normally required when a property is built, sold or rented, although some exemptions apply. Property owners should make sure they understand which rules apply before marketing a property. (GOV.UK EPC guidance)

For private rented homes in England and Wales, landlords also need to consider the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards. Current GOV.UK landlord guidance sets EPC band E as the minimum level for covered domestic rented properties unless an exemption applies.

How Long Is an EPC Valid?

An EPC is normally valid for 10 years. This means you do not need a new certificate every year.

However, if you make major energy improvements, you may choose to arrange another EPC London assessment. A new assessment can show the updated energy performance of the property.

This may be useful after improving insulation, replacing the heating system or carrying out other work that could improve the energy rating.

What Does an EPC Assessor Look At?

An EPC assessor collects information about the building and its energy related features.

The assessment can include:

• Wall, roof and loft insulation
• Windows and glazing
• Main heating system
• Heating controls
• Hot water system
• Lighting
• Property size and layout
• Renewable energy systems, where present

An EPC is not the same as a full building survey. Its main purpose is to assess the energy performance of the property.

For a house or flat, you can visit our EPC London service.

For a shop, office or other business property, visit our Commercial EPC London service.

How Can You Improve Your EPC Rating?

There is no single improvement that is right for every property. A good place to start is the recommendation section on your existing EPC.

Improve Insulation

A property can lose heat through its roof, walls and floors. Better insulation can help keep more heat inside the building.

Loft insulation is often one of the first areas worth checking. Wall insulation may also help depending on the age and construction of the property.

Upgrade Your Heating System

An old or inefficient heating system can affect the energy performance of a property.

A newer and more efficient heating system may help improve the EPC rating. Heating controls are also important. A suitable thermostat, programmer and radiator controls can help occupants manage heating more efficiently.

Improve Windows and Glazing

Older single glazed windows usually lose more heat than modern energy efficient glazing.

Replacing windows may not always be the first improvement to make. However, better glazing can help where heat loss through windows is a major issue.

Use Energy Efficient Lighting

Replacing older bulbs with LED lighting is a simple improvement.

LED lights use less electricity than many older types of lighting. When planning EPC London improvements, small changes can still be useful when combined with larger improvements.

Consider Renewable Energy

Some properties may benefit from solar panels or other renewable energy systems.

This does not mean solar panels are suitable for every property. The building, available space, cost and expected benefit should all be considered.

Before spending money on major work, check the recommendations on your current EPC and get suitable professional advice.

Domestic and Commercial EPCs Are Different

A domestic EPC is used for homes. Commercial properties need a non domestic EPC assessment.

Commercial buildings may have more complex heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation systems. Because of this, a Commercial EPC London assessment is different from an assessment for a normal house or flat.

If you own a shop, office, restaurant or other business property, make sure you arrange the correct type of EPC.

How Much Does an EPC Cost in London?

The cost of an EPC can depend on the size and type of property.

A small flat will usually be simpler to assess than a large house. Commercial EPC prices can vary more because commercial buildings differ greatly in size and complexity.

If you want to understand what can affect the price, read our EPC cost guide.

Do You Need a New EPC After Improvements?

Not always.

If your current EPC is still valid, making improvements does not automatically mean you need to replace it.

However, your existing certificate will still show the rating from the time of the previous assessment.

If you have made major energy improvements and want them reflected in the property’s rating, you can arrange another EPC London assessment.

This can be useful before selling or letting the property.

Check Your EPC Before Selling or Renting

Do not leave your EPC until the last minute.

If you are planning to sell or rent a property, first check whether a valid certificate already exists. You can use the official EPC register to search for it.

If there is no valid certificate, arrange your EPC London assessment before marketing the property where an EPC is required.

For landlords, it is also worth checking the rating and recommendations early. This gives you more time to consider any improvements before a new tenancy starts.

Book an EPC London Assessment

An EPC gives you useful information about your property’s energy performance. It also shows which improvements may help increase the rating.

Landlord Certificate London provides residential and commercial EPC London assessments across London.

If you need an EPC London assessment for a house, flat or rental property, book your residential EPC here.

For shops, offices and other business premises, visit our Commercial EPC page.

Getting the right EPC London assessment gives you a better understanding of your current energy rating and the practical improvements you can consider.