Typically your Assessor will be able to obtain the majority of the information they require by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

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

If you can supply documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and is likely to enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

• Any type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}.

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural plans.

The three things that have the main impact 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 properties are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a house heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical house 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 £696 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating 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
This may come as a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major 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 in the property as earlier mentioned. However, where it can have a more substantial impact, is when the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is normally experienced 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 lighting does indeed help the EPC as they are a low cost improvement that makes a contribution to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.