In most cases your Assessor is able to obtain most of the information they need simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

The Assessor must take photographic or gather documentary evidence that is important for audit purposes. If no evidence is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software. In this situation the software program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

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

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

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

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

• 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 contractors.

The 3 mains 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 homes are generally 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 very same property which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses equals lower ratings.

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 does make a difference, the greatest difference is actually really achieved when you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, it will only show as a modest increase in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular object, this comfort gain is 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 insulation, heating and heating controls.