Typically your Assessor is able to obtain the majority of the information they require by just going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we need to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items which will be required where no proof is obtained. When 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 built. This can have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

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

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

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

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

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 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 home heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home 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 in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. Higher expenses equates to 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 double glazing does not have as big 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 in the property as mentioned before. However, where it will have a more substantial effect, is when the home is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are updating from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will 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 reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the Energy Performance Certificate as they are a low cost improvement that makes a contribution to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.