What are the core energy efficiency measures covered (Insulation, Heat Pumps, etc.)?

As energy costs remain a significant concern for UK households, many homeowners are looking for ways to improve their property’s efficiency. Improving your home’s energy performance is not just about staying warm; it is also about increasing the value of your asset and preparing for future environmental regulations. In the UK, the government and financial institutions often group “core” measures into categories based on their impact on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating.

These measures are generally designed to stop heat from escaping, generate energy more cleanly, or manage energy use more effectively. Whether you are applying for a government grant, such as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, or looking for a green mortgage or home improvement loan, understanding which measures are covered is essential for planning your budget.

The Foundation: Insulation Measures

Insulation is often considered the most important energy efficiency measure because it addresses the “fabric first” approach. This principle suggests that before you install a new heating system, you should ensure that the heat you generate stays inside the building. The core insulation measures typically covered include:

• Loft and Roof Insulation: This is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve efficiency. Since heat rises, a significant portion of a home’s warmth can escape through an uninsulated roof. Most schemes cover the installation of mineral wool or sheep’s wool batts to a recommended depth of 270mm.
• Cavity Wall Insulation: Many UK homes built between 1920 and 1990 have a gap between two layers of brick. Filling this cavity with foam, beads, or mineral wool can drastically reduce heat loss.
• Solid Wall Insulation: For older properties without a cavity, solid wall insulation (either internal or external) may be necessary. This is more expensive and disruptive but offers substantial energy savings.
• Floor Insulation: Insulating the ground floor is a core measure that helps eliminate draughts and keep rooms feeling warmer at lower thermostat settings.

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Low-Carbon Heating Systems

Once a property is well-insulated, the next core measure usually involves the heating system. The UK government is actively encouraging a shift away from gas and oil boilers toward renewable alternatives.

Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP)

An air source heat pump looks similar to an air conditioning unit. It extracts heat from the outside air—even when it is cold—and uses a compressor to increase the temperature to provide heating and hot water. These are considered a core measure in almost every green finance package and grant scheme currently available in the UK.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP)

Ground source heat pumps involve burying pipes in the garden to extract heat from the earth. While more expensive and difficult to install than air source units, they are often more efficient over the long term. These are typically covered for larger properties with sufficient land area.

Biomass Boilers

In certain rural areas where heat pumps might not be suitable, biomass boilers—which burn wood pellets or logs—may be covered as a core low-carbon heating measure. However, these require regular maintenance and a consistent fuel supply.

Renewable Energy Generation

Generating your own electricity or hot water is a major pillar of energy efficiency. The core measures in this category help households become less dependent on the National Grid.

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: These panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. They are a staple of energy efficiency upgrades and can be paired with battery storage systems to maximise self-consumption.
• Solar Thermal: This system uses sunlight to heat water directly, which is then stored in a hot water cylinder. It is an excellent complement to other renewable heating systems.
• Wind Turbines: While less common for urban residential properties, small-scale wind turbines may be covered in rural settings as a core renewable measure.

Glazing and Draught-Proofing

Windows and doors are often the weakest links in a home’s thermal envelope. Upgrading these is a core measure for improving comfort and noise insulation.

Double and Triple Glazing: Replacing single-pane glass with modern double or triple glazing can significantly reduce heat transfer. High-performance windows often feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass and inert gas fillings like argon between the panes.

Secondary Glazing: In listed buildings or conservation areas where windows cannot be replaced, secondary glazing is often a covered measure. This involves adding an extra pane of glass inside the existing window frame.

Draught-Proofing: This is a simple but effective core measure that involves sealing gaps around doors, windows, and floorboards to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

Financing Your Energy Efficiency Measures

Improving a home’s energy efficiency can require a significant capital outlay. Many homeowners in the UK look toward financial products like green mortgages, further advances, or bridging loans to fund these works. For example, a bridging loan might be used to quickly purchase a property that requires urgent energy efficiency upgrades before transitioning to a traditional mortgage.

It is important to understand the different types of bridging finance. A “closed” bridging loan has a fixed repayment date, usually tied to the sale of a property or the completion of a renovation. An “open” bridging loan has no fixed end date but usually carries a maximum term, such as 12 months. In most cases, bridging loans roll up the interest, meaning you do not make monthly payments; instead, the total interest is paid at the end of the term. You can find more information on bridging loans explained via MoneyHelper.

When using any form of secured finance for energy improvements, remember that your property may be at risk if repayments are not made. Possible consequences of defaulting include legal action, repossession, increased interest rates, and additional charges. It is vital to have a clear exit strategy before taking out such a loan.

Compliance and Standards

To ensure that the measures installed are actually effective, most UK schemes require that the work is carried out by certified installers. For heat pumps and solar panels, this usually means using a Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited professional. For insulation, look for TrustMark registered installers. This ensures that the products used meet high standards and that the installation is covered by appropriate warranties.

Improving your home to an EPC rating of C or above is a common goal. This not only makes the home more comfortable but may also make it easier to sell or rent in the future, as minimum energy efficiency standards (MEES) become stricter across the UK.

People also asked

Are smart thermostats considered a core energy efficiency measure?

While smart thermostats and heating controls are highly beneficial for managing energy use, they are often classed as “secondary” or “supplementary” measures rather than core measures like insulation or heat pumps.

Can I get a grant for all core energy efficiency measures?

Grants like the ECO4 scheme may cover most core measures for eligible low-income households, but many homeowners will need to use private finance or schemes like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme for specific installations.

Does double glazing improve my EPC rating as much as a heat pump?

Generally, a heat pump or solar panels will have a more significant impact on an EPC score than double glazing alone, though a combination of both is usually the best approach for maximum efficiency.

Will installing these measures always lower my energy bills?

While these measures are designed to reduce energy consumption, the actual savings will depend on your energy usage habits, the current energy prices, and whether the system is sized correctly for your property.

Is battery storage a core measure?

Battery storage is typically considered an optional add-on to solar PV systems rather than a standalone core measure, though it is increasingly being included in modern green finance packages.

Summary of Considerations

When choosing which core energy efficiency measures to prioritise, it is often best to start with insulation to reduce the overall demand for heat. Following this, upgrading to low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps or installing renewable generation like solar panels can provide the largest reductions in carbon emissions.

Because these projects can be expensive, it is common to seek professional advice on both the technical installation and the financial implications. Ensure you compare different funding options and check the credentials of any company carrying out the work. By focusing on these core measures, you can create a more sustainable, comfortable, and valuable home for the long term.