The data entered into the software program is based on proof which the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically your Assessor can get most of the information whilst going around the property.

Your Assessor must take photographic or obtain documentary information which is necessary for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software. In this instance the software program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of these types of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to help the rating of your EPC.

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness fitted.

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

• Double glazing improvements to the majority of the property – Certificate from Fensa, or dated receipt from the contractors.

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

The three items that have the main effect on the energy rating are:

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

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 home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar home 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 home, it would cost you £556 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC 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 will come as a bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major 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 in the property as mentioned before. Where it will have a more substantial effect, is if your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is generally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the EPC because they are a low cost improvement that contributes to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.