In most cases your Assessor is able to get most 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.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items that are required where no evidence is obtained. When 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. EPC rating.

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

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

• 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 installed.

• Loft conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

The three 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 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 exact same house 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 home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating rating. 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
Although improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the biggest difference is only 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 small increase in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are a low cost improvement that leads to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.