The data put into the software program is based on proof which the Assessor collects during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get the majority of the information whilst going around the property.

Your Assessor will take photographic or gather documentary information which is necessary for audit reasons. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software. In this instance the software program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of these kinds of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and is likely to help the rating of your EPC.

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

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

The three things that have the biggest impact 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 homes 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 house heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the same house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses equals 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 will come as a shock, but double glazing does not have as major an effect 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 above. However, where it will have a more substantial impact, is if your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving 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 generally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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