Here at EPCcertificates we aim to explain what an EPC contractor does and how energy performance contracting helps improve EPC ratings. Energy Performance Contracting is becoming an increasingly popular way for homeowners, landlords, businesses and public bodies to reduce energy costs while improving EPC ratings. If you want to understand how an EPC contractor can help you make your property more energy efficient, it is useful to know what their role involves and how the contracting process works from start to finish.
What is Energy Performance Contracting?
Energy Performance Contracting is a structured service model in which an EPC contractor assesses a property and delivers energy-saving measures that improve the building’s overall performance. The contractor evaluates your current energy efficiency, recommends the right upgrades, installs those improvements and may even offer guarantees on the expected results. This approach is used widely across England, Wales and Northern Ireland because it gives property owners confidence that the improvements will deliver measurable benefits.
What an EPC Contractor does
An EPC contractor examines the condition of your home or commercial building and identifies ways to improve efficiency. Their role fills the gap between EPC assessors, who produce the Energy Performance Certificate EPC, and the specialist installers who carry out work such as insulation, heating upgrades or renewable technology installation. By working with an EPC contractor, you receive a clear plan based on evidence rather than guesswork. This ensures that the most effective measures are prioritised and installed safely.
How EPCs work in the UK
An EPC certificate rates a property from A to G. It outlines energy efficiency levels, environmental impact and estimated energy costs for heating, hot water and lighting. It also provides tailored recommendations that highlight how to make your home more energy efficient, such as installing insulation, replacing older boilers, upgrading windows or adopting low-carbon systems like heat pumps or solar panels.
For buyers, tenants and estate agents, EPCs are essential because they give a reliable picture of a building’s expected running costs.
When you need an EPC
You are legally required to have an EPC when selling or renting out a property. This applies to homes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as commercial buildings that are being sold or let. New builds must also have EPCs and SAP assessments before they are completed. Some buildings are exempt, including certain listed buildings, places of worship and temporary structures. An EPC is valid for 10 years, and normally costs between £40 and £120, depending on the size and age of the property.
Why an EPC Contractor matters for improving ratings
An EPC contractor plays a key role in improving your EPC rating by translating the recommendations on your certificate into a practical plan. They help you prioritise which improvements will deliver the biggest uplift in rating and which upgrades will reduce energy bills most effectively. This is especially important for landlords, who must maintain a minimum EPC rating of E before renting a property.
With regulations expected to tighten over the coming years, many landlords and developers are already planning ahead by working with EPC contractors to future-proof their buildings.
Typical measures delivered through Energy Performance Contracting
Energy Performance Contracting often focuses on upgrades that improve long-term performance. These include insulation, ventilation upgrades, air tightness improvements, efficient heating systems, hot water controls, LED lighting, double glazing and low carbon systems.
Insulation is particularly impactful because much of the heat lost from a property escapes through the roof, walls and floors. Tackling these areas early usually offers the biggest improvement to an energy efficiency rating.
Who uses EPC Contractors?
A wide range of people and organisations use EPC contractors. Homeowners preparing to sell often want a better rating to attract potential buyers. Landlords and property investors rely on contractors to ensure compliance with rental regulations and to reduce tenant energy costs. Estate agents benefit from contractors who can deliver reliable upgrades quickly. Businesses and commercial property owners want to lower running costs and comply with energy legislation. Public buildings such as schools, hospitals and local authority offices also use EPC contractors to improve efficiency and meet sustainability commitments.
Benefits of Energy Performance Contracting
The main benefit of Energy Performance Contracting is the reassurance that improvements will deliver measurable results. You do not need to manage multiple installers or oversee complex projects yourself. Instead, the contractor guides you through the process, coordinates the work and ensures everything meets legal and industry standards. You benefit from lower energy bills, improved comfort and a better EPC rating, which can increase property value and appeal.
Common misunderstandings about EPCs and Contractors
A common misconception is that the EPC itself improves a property. In reality, the EPC only describes the current condition. You need to implement the recommended improvements to see real benefits. Another misunderstanding is that replacing a boiler alone is enough to significantly raise an EPC rating.
Without effective insulation, much of the heat produced will still be wasted. An EPC contractor ensures improvements are carried out in the correct order so you get the best possible outcome.
How to choose the right EPC Contractor
Choosing the right contractor is important. Look for experience, relevant qualifications and a strong understanding of UK EPC regulations. A good EPC contractor will explain your options clearly and help you understand the impact of each improvement. They will also work with accredited installers who can complete the work safely and to a high standard, protecting your investment and ensuring compliance with building regulations.
The link between an EPC Contractor and insulation installer
Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve an EPC rating. Whether you choose loft insulation, cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation, reducing heat loss has a direct and positive impact on energy performance. EPC contractors regularly collaborate with insulation specialists because these improvements often provide the most significant rating increase in the shortest time.
Ready to Improve Your EPC Rating?
If you want to improve your EPC rating or complete the energy saving improvements listed on your Energy Performance Certificate EPC, trusted insulation specialists can help.
Visit EcoInsulation.co.uk today to find certified installers who deliver high quality insulation solutions that enhance comfort, reduce energy costs and increase property value.