The information put into the software program is based on evidence that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases your Assessor will get the majority of the information whilst going around the property.

What we want to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items which are needed where no proof is obtained. If the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. This may have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely help the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Any type of wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects plans.

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

The 3 mains things that have the biggest impact 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 homes are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a property heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC 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 can make a difference, the greatest difference is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a modest improvement in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular object, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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