The information entered into the software program is based on proof which the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get almost all of the information whilst going around the property.

Your Assessor has to take photographic or gather documentary evidence which is needed for audit purposes. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In cases like this the program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

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

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from contractors 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 – Fensa certificate, or dated receipt from the contractors.

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

The three things that have the most significant effect 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 or home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property or home 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 home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC 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 will come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned above. Where it can have a greater effect, is if the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing 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 normally noticed 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 recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate as they are an affordable improvement that contributes to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.