The information entered into the software program is based on proof that the Assessor gathers during the visit. Typically your Assessor can get almost all of the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor will take photographic or obtain documentary information that is required for audit reasons. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In this situation the program will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

Whenever you can provide documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and will probably help the rating of your EPC.

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the main effect 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 kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a property heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property which is 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 property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses 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 may come as a bit of a surprise, but 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 earlier mentioned. Where it can have a more substantial impact, is if the home is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 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 normally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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