10 tips to improve your EPC score

Want to improve your EPC score? From roof insulation to solar panels: with these 10 concrete tips you can improve your energy label, lower your energy bill and prepare your home for the 2050 renovation obligation. In our experience as certified energy experts, we see that a combination of measures has the greatest effect.

1. Insulate your roof or attic floor

Roof insulation is by far the most cost-effective measure. An uninsulated roof is responsible for up to 30% of heat loss. Choose at least 18 cm of insulation material (Rd value ≥ 4.5 m²K/W) for an optimal result on your EPC score.

2. Replace single glazing with high-performance glazing

Single glazing has a U-value of approximately 5.8 W/m²K. Triple HR glass achieves 0.5 to 0.7 W/m²K — an enormous improvement. In our inspections, we see that windows with single glazing drastically lower the EPC score. Even replacing ordinary double glazing with HR++ glass makes a noticeable difference.

3. Insulate your external walls

Wall insulation can be done via three methods: cavity wall insulation (injection, often the cheapest option if a cavity is present), external insulation (most effective but more expensive) or internal insulation (when other options are not possible). Each method significantly improves your EPC score.

4. Insulate your floor

Floor insulation is often overlooked, but can prevent 7 to 10% heat loss. If a crawl space is present, insulation can be relatively easily applied to the underside of the floor slab.

5. Replace your old heating boiler

A heating boiler older than 15 years operates with an efficiency of sometimes less than 80%. A modern condensing boiler achieves more than 98% efficiency. This is one of the measures with the fastest payback period, especially with rising gas prices.

6. Consider a heat pump

A heat pump (air-to-water or ground-source) is the future of heating. The EPC calculation system rates heat pumps very positively. In combination with underfloor heating and good insulation, you can achieve label A. The investment is higher, but the Mijn VerbouwPremie can cover part of the costs.

7. Install solar panels

Solar panels (PV installation) lower your EPC score because they generate renewable energy. A typical installation of 10 panels (± 4 kWp) can improve your score by 30 to 50 kWh/m²/year, depending on the size of your home.

8. Install a solar boiler

A solar boiler for domestic hot water is positively included in the EPC calculation. The combination of solar panels and a solar boiler provides a cumulative benefit to your score.

9. Improve your ventilation

The ventilation system affects the EPC score. System D (mechanical supply and extract with heat recovery) scores best. An upgrade from system A (natural ventilation) to system C or D can improve your score, although the impact is smaller than with insulation.

10. Collect evidence for your inspection

This is a tip that requires no extra investment: make sure you can present all invoices, plans and certificates from previous renovations at the EPC inspection. Without evidence, the energy expert must assume unfavourable default values, which unnecessarily lowers your score. Check our preparation page for a complete checklist.

Setting priorities

Not every measure is equally profitable for every home. The right order depends on your current situation. In our experience, the rule of thumb is:

1. First insulate the building envelope (roof → walls → floor → windows)
2. Then address the heating system
3. Finally add renewable energy

A current EPC certificate gives you the roadmap: it contains concrete recommendations with the expected impact of each measure.

Start with a current EPC

Want to know which measures have the most effect for your home? Have a current EPC drawn up and receive a report with targeted renovation recommendations.