In most cases your Assessor is able to obtain most of the information they require simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no information is obtained. If the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. EPC score.

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will probably increase the rating of your EPC.

• Any type of wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– Any guarantees, or receipts from the contractor

• Solar PV or Solar Thermal – MCS certificate from installer.

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from contractors showing thickness installed.

• Loft conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

• Double glazing improvements made to the majority of the property – Certificate from Fensa, or dated receipt from the installer.

The 3 mains items that have the biggest impact on the energy rating are:

• The main source of fuel for heating the property
• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.

Main Source of Fuel
UK properties are generally heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a home heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £556 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC score. Higher expenses equates to lower ratings.

Levels Of Insulation
Good levels of insulation ensures that the demand on the heating system is kept down, and it also results in a more comfortable home with lower running costs.

The Heating System
An efficient heating system with good controls such as room thermostat, thermostatic valves and programmer helps to keep energy bills down. This all contributes to a better rating on the EPC.

Double glazing
This particular one will come as a bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. However, where it does have a more substantial impact, is when the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is normally felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the EPC as they are a low cost improvement that contributes to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.