Typically your Assessor should be able to get almost all of the information they need by just going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

The Assessor will take photographic or obtain documentary evidence that is necessary for audit purposes. If no evidence is obtained then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” into the software program. In this case the software program will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

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

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the most significant impact on the energy rating are:

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

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 instance a property heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using around 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 affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the greatest increase is only really achieved when you are upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this will only show as a modest increase in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is generally sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate because they are an inexpensive improvement that makes a contribution to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.