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

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items which are needed where no information is gathered. When the term “as built” has to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. This can have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely increase the rating of your EPC.

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

• Any type of wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– Any guarantees, or invoice from the installer.

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

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

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

The three items that have the most significant effect on the energy rating are:

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

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes 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 example a home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher expenses equals 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 may come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an effect 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 earlier mentioned. Where it does have a more substantial effect, is when your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are upgrading 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 usually experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease 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 indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are an inexpensive improvement that contributes to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.