Typically your Assessor is able to get almost all of the information they need simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we want to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no information is gathered. When the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

If you can provide documentary evidence of any of these sorts of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to help the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Any wall insulation Cavity/Internal/External– Any guarantees, or invoice from the installer

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

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

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

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

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 generally 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 you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher expenses 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 particular one may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as previously mentioned. However, where it will have a larger impact, is when your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are changing from pre 2002 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 decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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