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

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

If you can provide documentary evidence of these types of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and will probably help the rating of your EPC.

• Any type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architectural plans.

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

The 3 mains items that have the most significant 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 typically 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 around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the greatest increase is only really achieved if you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, this will only show as a modest increase in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is typically sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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