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

The Assessor has to take photographic or gather documentary information that is needed for audit purposes. If no evidence is obtained then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In this case the software will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

• Any type of wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or invoice from the installer

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

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

The 3 mains things that have the most significant effect on the energy rating are:

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

Main Source of Fuel
UK properties are generally heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance 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 with a typically semi-detached which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating 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 will come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact 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. Where it will have a larger effect, is when 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 would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

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 consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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