The data entered into the software program is based on proof that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases your Assessor can get almost all the information whilst going around the property.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which will be required where no information is gathered. If the term “as built” has to be used then the software program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. This could have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the most significant impact on the energy rating are:

• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.
• The main source of fuel for heating the property

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 property heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical property which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating 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
This one may come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc 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 as previously mentioned. However, where it does have a more substantial effect, is when the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is typically noticed 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 measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are an affordable improvement that contributes to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.