Typically your Assessor should be able to get a lot of the information they require by simply 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 program the term “as built” for items that are needed where no information is obtained. If the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. This could have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to help the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

The 3 mains things that have the biggest 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 properties are typically 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 you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £556 to heat by gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC rating. Higher costs 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing does make a difference, the biggest difference is actually really achieved when you are upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is normally sensed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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