In most cases your Assessor will be able to get a lot of the information they need by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that are needed where no proof is obtained. When the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of these sorts of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and will likely increase 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 fitted.

• Loft conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

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

The three things that have the most significant effect on the energy rating are:

• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.
• The main source of fuel for heating the property

Main Source of Fuel
UK properties 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 property or home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, 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 rating. Higher costs equals 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 will come as a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as earlier mentioned. However, where it will have a larger effect, is when the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is usually felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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