In most cases your Assessor is able to get the vast majority of information they need by simply 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 the phrase “as built” for items which will be required where no evidence is obtained. If the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

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

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

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

The 3 mains things 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 typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a property heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating rating. 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
This may come as a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as big 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 as mentioned before. Where it will have a more substantial impact, is when the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does help the Energy Performance Certificate because they are a low cost improvement that makes a contribution to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.