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

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items that are needed 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 constructed. EPC score.

If you can supply documentary evidence of these kinds of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and will probably increase the rating of your EPC.

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest 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 homes are generally 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 around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same house which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC score. Higher costs equals 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 may come as a shock, but double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. However, where it does have a more substantial effect, is if your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When 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 property.

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

 

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