EPC rating F
SAP score 21–38. Below the legal minimum for letting without a registered exemption.
What band F means
Band F covers SAP scores from 21 to 38. These homes are expensive to heat and often uncomfortable in winter.
Typical properties
Solid wall properties with no insulation, single glazing and room heaters or an old oil boiler.
Quotes for the work
Heating is usually the single biggest item on a band F property. Insulation comes first, but a quote tells you what the heating step would cost.
We may earn a commission from bookings. This does not change the price you pay.
Getting from band F to band C
Worked from a SAP score of 30, in the middle of band F, for an average sized property with nothing done yet. Cheapest measures first.
| Measure | Cost | Score after |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water cylinder insulation | £20–£60 | 32 |
| Loft insulation to 270 mm | £100–£350 | 36 |
| Low energy lighting throughout | £25–£90 | 37 |
| Cavity wall insulation | £600–£1,800 | 46 |
| Heating controls and TRVs | £350–£900 | 49 |
| Condensing gas boiler | £2,200–£3,600 | 57 |
| Solar PV, 3 kWp | £5,000–£8,000 | 68 |
| Internal solid wall insulation | £4,000–£14,000 | 80 |
About £12,295 to £28,800 in total. Use the upgrade cost calculator for your own score.
Common questions
Can I sell a property with an EPC rating of F?
Yes. There is no minimum band for selling in England & Wales — you only need a valid certificate before the property is marketed.
Can I let a property with an EPC rating of F?
Not without a registered exemption. Band E is the current minimum for a private rented home.
How do I improve the rating?
Insulation first, then heating and controls, then generation. Cheap measures such as loft insulation and cylinder insulation buy SAP points for a fraction of the cost of new windows or a heat pump.