The information put into the software program is based on proof that the Assessor gathers during the visit. Typically your Assessor can get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor must take photographic or gather documentary information which is necessary for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” in to the software. In this instance the software program will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural drawings.

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest impact 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 typically 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 property or home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical property or home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher expenses equals lower scores.

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 major an impact on the EPC as most people would assume. 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 if the property is upgraded 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 rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is typically felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately 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 makes a contribution to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.