Typically your Assessor will get a lot 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.

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that will be required where no proof is obtained. If 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 constructed. This can have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can provide documentary proof of these types of improvements then this can be shown on the Certificate and will probably enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Loft conversions 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 External/Cavity/Internal– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

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

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

The 3 mains items 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 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 home heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC score. Higher costs equates to 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 improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the most significant difference is only really achieved when you are improving from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, this would only show as a small improvement in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is normally felt by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Since 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 help the EPC as they are an affordable improvement that makes a contribution to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.