In most cases your Assessor is able to obtain most of the information they require 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 obtain documentary evidence that is needed 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 based on 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 improve the rating of your EPC.

• 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 installer showing thickness installed.

• Loft extensions 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 things 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 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 exact same property or home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £596 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses equates to 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
This one will come as a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as mentioned above. Where it will have a larger impact, is when your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

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

 

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