The information put into the software is based on evidence that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor can get most of 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 that are needed where no proof is obtained. If the term “as built” has to 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. This could have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

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

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

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness installed.

• 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 installers.

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

The three 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 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 example a house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC rating. Higher costs 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 surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as mentioned before. Where it does have a greater impact, is when your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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