In most cases your Assessor will obtain almost all of the information they require simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we want to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no information is gathered. If the term “as built” has to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The three things that have the biggest effect 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 typically heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical home 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 you £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs 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 shock, but double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as mentioned before. However, where it can have a more substantial effect, is if the home is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is usually experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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