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

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

Whenever you can provide documentary proof of any of these types of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will probably increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

• Any 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 contractor showing thickness installed.

The three items that have the main 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 instance a property heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating 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
Although improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the most significant difference is only really achieved if you are upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. 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 home. With upvc double glazing the perception is normally felt by the customer in terms of cosiness from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does 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 heating, insulation, and heating controls.