Typically your Assessor will obtain almost all of the information they require by simply 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 which are required where no evidence is gathered. When the term “as built” needs to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. This could have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of these sorts of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

• Roof 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 installers.

The three things that have the most significant 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 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 heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar property which is 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 £696 to heat with gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC rating. 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 particular one may come as a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. However, where it does have a larger impact, is when the property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc 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 experienced 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 measured.

 

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