The information put into the software is based on proof that the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically the Assessor can get almost all of the information whilst going around the property.

Your Assessor will take photographic or obtain documentary evidence which is necessary for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In such a case the software will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

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

• Any wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from contractors showing thickness fitted.

• Roof conversions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects plans.

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

The 3 mains items that have the main 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 example a house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar house 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 you £696 to heat by gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC score. 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 surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. Where it can have a more substantial impact, is when your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

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

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are a low cost improvement that makes a contribution to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.