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

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which are needed where no proof is obtained. If the term “as built” must 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. EPC rating.

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

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

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

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from contractors showing thickness installed.

The three things that have the biggest impact 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 homes 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 home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £596 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher expenses 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 may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. However, where it can have a greater impact, is if the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is generally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction 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 Energy Performance Certificate since they are an inexpensive improvement that makes a contribution to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.