
EPC Rating Impact Calculator
Discover how upgrading your windows could improve your EPC rating, reduce energy bills, and lower your carbon footprint. Essential for homeowners and landlords planning window upgrades in 2026.
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What is your current EPC rating?
Check your EPC rating at gov.uk/find-energy-certificate
What type of property do you have?
Larger properties with more exposed walls benefit more from window upgrades.
When was your property built?
Older homes typically have more to gain from window improvements.
How many windows does your property have?
Include all windows you plan to upgrade. The average UK home has 8-12 windows.
windows
What type of windows do you currently have?
The bigger the gap between current and new windows, the more your EPC will improve.
What upgrade are you considering?
Choose the type of window upgrade you are planning.
I am a landlord
Show rental property EPC compliance information
Please complete all fields above to calculate your EPC impact.
How Windows Impact Your EPC Rating: A Complete Guide
Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rates your home's energy efficiency on a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Windows are one of the most impactful elements assessed during an EPC survey, accounting for 10-20% of typical household heat loss. Upgrading your windows is one of the most effective ways to improve your rating and reduce energy costs.
Understanding EPC Ratings and Windows
An EPC assessor evaluates your windows based on several factors including glazing type, frame material, age, and overall thermal performance. Here is how different window types typically affect your EPC score:
| Window Type | Typical U-Value (W/m²K) | EPC Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Single Glazed | 4.8 - 5.8 | Very poor, significant heat loss |
| Old Double Glazed (pre-2002) | 2.8 - 3.5 | Below current standards |
| Modern A-Rated Double Glazed | 1.2 - 1.4 | Excellent performance |
| Triple Glazed | 0.8 - 1.0 | Premium performance |
Use our Window U-Value Calculator to check the thermal performance of specific window configurations and compare how different options affect your energy efficiency.
EPC Requirements for Landlords
If you are a landlord in England or Wales, understanding EPC regulations is essential for compliance and avoiding penalties. The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) have been in force since April 2018, and were extended in April 2020 to cover all existing tenancies.
Key Landlord Requirements
- Current minimum: EPC E or above required to legally let a property in England and Wales
- Proposed 2030 target: The government has proposed raising the minimum to EPC C for all rental properties
- Penalties: Fines of up to £5,000 per property for non-compliance
- Window upgrades: One of the most cost-effective ways to improve your rental property's EPC rating
Upgrading windows in rental properties from single glazing or old double glazing to modern A-rated units is one of the most effective improvements landlords can make. Combined with other measures such as double glazing or triple glazing, this can transform a property's energy efficiency.
Which Windows Improve EPC the Most?
The type of windows you choose will directly impact how much your EPC rating improves. Here are the best options ranked by EPC improvement potential:
- Triple glazed windows – Maximum thermal performance with U-values of 0.8-1.0 W/m²K. Best for properties targeting EPC A or B ratings.
- A-rated double glazed windows – Excellent balance of cost and performance with U-values of 1.2-1.4 W/m²K. The most popular choice for EPC improvements.
- uPVC windows – Cost-effective option with good insulation properties. Multi-chambered frames provide excellent thermal performance.
- Timber windows – Natural insulator with low thermal conductivity. Excellent for period properties requiring conservation area approval.
Funding Your Window Upgrade
If your property has an EPC rating of D or below, you may qualify for government grants to help fund your window upgrade. The ECO4 scheme and Warm Homes: Local Grant can cover some or all of the cost of new windows for eligible households.
Frequently Asked Questions About EPC Ratings and Windows
How much can new windows improve my EPC rating?
Upgrading from single glazing to A-rated double glazing can improve your EPC by 8-15 points, potentially moving you up one or two EPC bands. Replacing old double glazing (pre-2002) with modern A-rated units typically adds 3-8 points. The exact improvement depends on your property type, age, number of windows, and current insulation levels. Larger, older properties with more windows tend to see the biggest improvements.
What is the minimum EPC rating for rental properties in the UK?
Since April 2020, landlords in England and Wales cannot let properties with an EPC rating below E under the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £5,000 per property. The government has proposed raising this minimum to EPC C by 2030, making it important for landlords to plan window upgrades now to future-proof their rental properties.
Do windows significantly affect EPC ratings?
Yes, windows are one of the key factors assessed in an EPC survey. Windows account for approximately 10-20% of a home's heat loss, making them a significant contributor to your overall energy efficiency score. The EPC assessor evaluates glazing type (single, double, or triple), frame material, age of the windows, and their overall thermal performance. Modern A-rated double glazed or triple glazed windows can substantially improve your rating.
How much money can I save by improving my EPC rating through new windows?
The Energy Saving Trust estimates that replacing single glazing with A-rated double glazing in a typical UK semi-detached home saves approximately £170-£235 per year on energy bills. Upgrading from old double glazing to modern A-rated units can save £80-£150 annually. Additionally, improved EPC ratings can add 5-10% to your property value, making new windows an excellent investment for both running costs and capital value.
What EPC rating do I need for a government grant?
Most UK government energy efficiency grants, including the ECO4 scheme and the Warm Homes: Local Grant, require your property to have an EPC rating of D or below (D, E, F, or G) to qualify. Properties rated D or below are prioritised for funding because they have the most room for improvement. If your property currently has a low EPC rating, you may be eligible for grants that cover some or all of the cost of new windows. Use our Window Grants Checker to see what funding you might qualify for.
How is an EPC rating calculated for windows?
An EPC assessor evaluates your windows as part of the overall property survey using the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). For windows, they assess: the glazing type (single, double, or triple), the gap between panes, the gas fill (air, argon, or krypton), the frame material (uPVC, timber, aluminium), and any low-emissivity coatings. Each factor contributes to the window's U-value, which measures thermal performance. Lower U-values indicate better insulation and contribute to a higher EPC score. Learn more about window thermal performance with our U-Value Calculator.
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