The data entered into the software program is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. Typically your Assessor will get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains things 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 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 property or home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same property or home which is 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 you £696 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences 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 may come as a bit of a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned above. Where it will have a more substantial impact, is if the property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is usually felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the EPC as they are an inexpensive improvement that leads to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.