The data entered into the software program is based on evidence that the Assessor collects during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get most of the information whilst going around the home.

Your Assessor must take photographic or obtain documentary information that is important for audit reasons. If no evidence is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software. In this case the software program will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of these kinds of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and will likely help the rating of your EPC.

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest 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 typically heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home 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 property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher costs equals 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
This may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an effect on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. However, where it does have a more substantial impact, is if the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is normally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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