In this guide
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Lower energy bills
The heating system of a poorly insulated home will have to work harder and could cost you more to run. So, reducing how much heat your home wastes makes sense for your pocket and the planet.
A warmer, energy-efficient home
Improving insulation and reducing heat loss will not only make it easier to heat your home but could also help to keep it warmer for longer.
A healthier environment
Taking steps to reduce or remove cold, damp and mould will help improve air quality in your home and could have a positive impact your health too.
Source: homebuilding.co.uk, Oct 2021
Five most common UK property types
We've identified the five most common types of property in the UK and suggested how you could make them more energy efficient. Even if you don’t find your exact house type, the tips can apply to many different types of homes. You should speak with a qualified expert to understand the changes you could make to your home.
Filter by property type:
Data source: Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Pre-1919 Victorian mid-terrace
Typical EPC rating without improvements: D or E
For this type of home, the main suggestion is wall insulation. Old buildings can be draughty so keep the warmth in and your house will feel toastier for longer. Solar panels and solar heating are a more sustainable way to generate energy, rather than just preventing it from escaping. Or if you’re looking for an easier first step then swap to low-energy lightbulbs.
It's possible to move properites like this to an EPC rating of C or B.
How much energy could top improvements save?
- Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
- Wall insulation: up to 24% per year.
- Low-energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Mid-century detached
Typical EPC rating without improvements: range of B - E
These types of properties don’t lose as much heating from the walls, so focus more on how to bring energy into the house. Solar panels and low-energy lighting could be ideal for homes like this.
It's possible to move properities like this to an EPC rating of between C to A.
How much energy could top improvements save?
- Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
- Low-energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Modern semi-detached
Typical EPC rating without improvements: C or D
As a newer building you don’t have to worry so much about insulation. For a bigger change to the house you could look to solar panels and solar heating. If you want to started quickly look to switch to low-energy lighting.
It's possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of between C to A.
How much energy could top improvements save?
- Solar panels: up tp 43% per year.
- Solar heating: up to 22% per year.
- Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Converted flat (1920–1945)
Typical EPC rating without improvements: range of C - E
Make sure to keep the heat inside your flat with wall insulation. And swap to low-energy lighting for some extra savings that won't cost much up front.
It's possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of C.
How much energy could top improvements save?
- Wall insulation: up to 24% per year.
- Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Mid-terrace (1945–1954)
Typical EPC rating without improvements: D or E
Investing in solar heating and solar panels could save you money in the long run. And for an extra energy savings boost you could switch to sustainable lightbulbs.
It's possible to move properties like this to an EPC rating of C or B.
How much energy could top improvements save?
- Solar panels: up to 43% per year.
- Solar heating: up to 22% per year.
- Low energy lighting: up to 4% per year.
Suggestions based on data from Energy Performance of Buildings Register, September 2021.
Top questions about home retrofits answered
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