In most cases your Assessor is able to get almost all 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 program the term “as built” for items that are needed where no evidence is obtained. If the term “as built” has to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. EPC score.

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and is likely to help the rating of your EPC.

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

• 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– Any guarantees, or invoice from the contractor

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

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

The three items that have the most significant 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 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 property or home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £556 to heat with gas in comparison 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 surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as mentioned before. However, where it will have a more substantial impact, is when the home is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

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

 

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