If you’ve received an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for a property, you may have noticed a section listing “recommendations”. These EPC recommendations are intended to help improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and lower carbon emissions. But what do they actually mean, and which ones are most practical for your specific building? In this guide, PropCert.co.uk explains EPC recommendations in plain English, what to look for, and how to turn them into a clear plan you can act on.
PropCert.co.uk is a UK-wide property compliance and certification company supporting landlords, homeowners, estate agents, and commercial property owners with EPCs and a wide range of related compliance services. If you need an EPC re-assessment, updated recommendations after improvement work, or complementary checks alongside energy upgrades, we can help you stay compliant. We also understand the real-world constraints that affect recommendations—such as listed building rules, building age, tenancy requirements, and landlord obligations. Read on to learn how EPC recommendations work and how to use them effectively.
What EPC recommendations are (and where they come from)
EPC recommendations are generated during the EPC assessment process based on how energy is currently used in the property. An accredited Domestic or Non-Domestic Energy Assessor calculates an Energy Efficiency Rating and considers the property’s construction, services, and insulation features. The EPC then lists potential improvement measures that could raise the property’s rating. These recommendations are not personalised “must-do” instructions; they are options the assessor expects could improve performance if installed correctly.
It’s also important to know that recommendations are influenced by available data—such as boiler type, insulation levels, and information provided by the property owner or gathered during the survey. If something is unknown during the inspection, the assessment may use assumptions, which can affect the recommendations shown on the EPC. This is why having accurate property information matters. In some cases, re-checking existing installations or obtaining supporting evidence can help produce clearer, more reliable recommendations.
- They’re derived from the EPC model using the property’s energy features and typical performance assumptions.
- They show possible measures to improve the Energy Efficiency Rating (not required by law in every case).
- They may depend on assessor assumptions if information is missing or not visible.
- They can be updated after improvements are completed and the EPC is re-issued.
How to interpret EPC recommendations: impact, cost, and feasibility
Not all EPC recommendations are equally useful, and it’s easy to over-focus on headline measures. Some recommendations may offer meaningful energy savings, while others may have limited impact depending on the property’s current condition. Your best next step is to prioritise recommendations by likely effectiveness, disruption level, and overall feasibility. For example, improving insulation can deliver long-term benefits, but it may require access, loft clearances, or internal works.
Many EPCs include recommendations alongside estimated payback or impact categories, though the exact presentation can vary. Treat the EPC suggestions as a starting point for your own decision-making and cost-benefit analysis. You may also want to check whether a recommendation is compatible with your property type and constraints. For instance, hard-to-treat properties—such as older terraces, properties with limited cavity access, or buildings with specific heritage considerations—may require alternative approaches.
For landlords, the practical goal is often to meet current or future rental standards while minimising costs and tenant disruption. For homeowners, the goal is typically lower bills and comfort improvements, such as fewer cold spots and better temperature stability. Estate agents and commercial owners often focus on asset value, tenant demand, and compliance. In all cases, the EPC recommendations can help you shape an upgrade pathway rather than making one-off changes.
- Prioritise measures with the highest likely energy impact for your property’s construction type.
- Check feasibility: access requirements, disruption, and whether the measure is realistic for your building.
- Confirm compatibility with existing systems (boiler, heating controls, hot water provision).
- Use the EPC as a roadmap and pair it with professional advice for implementation.
Common EPC recommendation types (what they usually mean)
While every EPC is different, there are several recurring recommendation categories that appear frequently across UK homes and commercial buildings. Understanding what these measures involve can help you move from “recommendation” to “action”. It also makes it easier to discuss options with installers, surveyors, and energy assessors. Below are some of the most common EPC recommendations and what they generally aim to achieve.
- Loft insulation and roof improvements: typically targets heat escaping through the roof space, improving overall thermal performance.
- Cavity wall insulation: aims to reduce heat loss through external walls where cavity insulation is suitable.
- Solid wall insulation (internal/external): usually more disruptive, but can significantly improve properties with solid walls.
- Improving heating systems: such as upgrades to boilers or more efficient heating solutions, depending on the property.
- Smart controls and thermostat upgrades: can enhance efficiency by improving heating schedules and temperature regulation.
- Hot water cylinder insulation: reduces energy losses from stored hot water systems.
- Double or secondary glazing: helps reduce heat loss through windows and can improve comfort.
- Ventilation improvements: relevant where ventilation strategies affect both comfort and energy use.
For commercial properties, EPC recommendations can also include improvements to lighting efficiency, building fabric upgrades, heating distribution, and controls. In many cases, commercial buildings benefit from a whole-building approach rather than isolated changes. If you operate a business premises, you may need to plan works around occupancy schedules and operational continuity. This is where a clear compliance and improvement strategy becomes essential.
If you’re considering upgrades, remember that EPC recommendations should be evaluated alongside other building requirements and safety obligations. Energy improvements can intersect with compliance areas such as ventilation considerations, fire safety documentation, and electrical safety. PropCert.co.uk can support you with the broader compliance picture, so energy upgrades don’t happen in isolation.
Next steps: turning recommendations into a compliant upgrade plan
The most effective way to use EPC recommendations is to build a practical plan that fits your property, budget, and timeline. Start by identifying which measures are likely to deliver the biggest gains for your building type. Then, gather the right technical information—such as verifying insulation details, checking current heating settings, and reviewing service specifications. Finally, schedule any required professional assessments and keep records for audit and future EPC re-assessment.
Once improvements are completed, you may want to update the EPC to reflect the new energy performance. This can be important for landlords planning future compliance, homeowners tracking return on investment, and commercial owners demonstrating building efficiency to tenants or stakeholders. An updated EPC can also make future decisions clearer because the recommendations will align with the property’s new baseline. If you’re not sure whether your current EPC recommendations still apply, a reassessment can clarify the position.
PropCert.co.uk provides EPC services across the UK and can help you coordinate energy certification alongside other compliance inspections. Whether you need an EPC for a sale, let, or periodic compliance, we’ll help ensure your documentation is accurate and appropriately handled. If you’re implementing improvements, we can also support with related compliance checks such as EICRs, gas safety certificates (CP12), PAT testing, fire risk assessments, asbestos surveys, and more. A managed approach can reduce delays and help you keep your property fully compliant.
- Review your EPC recommendations and shortlist measures that fit your property and circumstances.
- Verify existing installations so recommendations reflect reality, not assumptions.
- Plan professional works with installers who understand energy performance targets.
- Update your EPC after improvements to capture the new rating and revised recommendations.
- Ensure wider compliance is covered alongside energy upgrades.
Want help understanding what your EPC recommendations mean for your property? PropCert.co.uk can guide you through EPC-related next steps and provide the compliance support that often goes hand-in-hand with energy efficiency upgrades. Contact PropCert.co.uk to discuss your requirements and keep your property fully compliant.
