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

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items that will be required where no evidence is gathered. If the term “as built” needs to be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of any of these sorts of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and will probably improve the rating of your EPC.

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

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

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

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

• Any wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

The three things that have the biggest 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 typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas when 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing does make a difference, the greatest difference is only really achieved when you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a modest 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 reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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