Decide what to verify and fix first
with evidence, not hype

Roof / loft insulation depth

Measure loft depth or check insulation certificate — EPC text is often approximate.

Depends on: accurate roof / loft insulation depth for score confidence

Recent annual energy use

Upload a recent bill or connect a smart meter export to calibrate demand.

Depends on: accurate recent annual energy use for score confidence

EPC certificate age

Re-assess or confirm upgrades since lodgement — stale EPCs miss improvements.

Depends on: accurate epc certificate age for score confidence

Confirm the current depth, then top up where suitable.

Why this matters: Roof heat loss is often the largest quick win in UK homes — topping up loft insulation cuts demand before sizing heating systems.

Why this now: Loft upgrades are low-disruption and improve every downstream heating and flex estimate.

Prerequisites: Accessible loft space; No active damp or ventilation issues in roof void

• Compressing existing insulation reduces performance
• Blocked eaves can cause condensation

• Do not block ventilation paths at eaves or ridge

Reduce wasted heat in rooms that are not always occupied.

Why this matters: Room-by-room control reduces wasted heat in unused spaces — a low-disruption step before major works.

Why this now: Low-cost controls can cut waste while you verify fabric facts and plan larger works.

Prerequisites: Wet central heating with radiators

Do this after: Smart thermostat zoning if not already present

• Poor zoning can leave some rooms cold if TRVs mis-set

Use verified fabric facts before sizing any major heating system.

Why this matters: Heat pumps cut carbon and running costs when paired with a well-insulated, correctly sized system — but oversizing wastes capital.

Why this now: Your heating system is a major score driver — but fabric should be verified before sizing.

Prerequisites: Fabric improvements considered first; Adequate electrical supply; Suitable emitters (radiators/UFH)

Depends on: Accurate insulation and glazing facts; Heat-loss assessment

Do this before: Loft and wall insulation where cost-effective

Do this after: Smart tariff review if pursuing load shifting

• Undersized radiators cause poor comfort in cold snaps
• Noise and placement need planning

• Heat pump sizing should follow a heat-loss assessment, not assumptions.
• Air sealing should usually be paired with ventilation review.

MCS installer and heat-loss calculation required for safe sizing. — Evolving Home does not replace a qualified retrofit coordinator, engineer, or installer.

Review tariff and export arrangement for load shifting

Why this matters: Time-of-use and agile tariffs can improve the value of shiftable loads — but rules and eligibility vary.

Why this now: Before investing in batteries or flex programmes, confirm your tariff and export arrangement.

Prerequisites: Smart meter where required by supplier; Understanding of peak vs off-peak usage

Depends on: Verified heating and hot water controls; Recent energy bills or half-hourly data

• Tariff switching may affect standing charges and exit fees — read terms carefully.

Prepare smart controls before exploring flexibility programmes

Why this matters: Smart controls and consent-ready equipment may unlock demand-response programmes — eligibility is not guaranteed.

Why this now: Flex Potential is emerging — prepare controls and verify equipment before programme signup.

Prerequisites: Smart thermostat or TRVs; User consent for automated load shifting

Depends on: Verified controllable heating or storage assets

Do this after: Check local VPP or demand-response programme eligibility

• Load shifting must not compromise ventilation or comfort — programme rules vary.