In most cases your Assessor will 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 want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that are needed where no information is gathered. When the term “as built” has to 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 score.

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 – An MCS certificate from contractor.

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness fitted.

• Roof conversions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

• Any wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– {guarantee, or receipt from 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 typically 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 £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing will make a difference, the most significant difference is only really achieved if you are upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is normally felt by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular object, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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