The information put into the software program is based on proof that the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically your Assessor will get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

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

If you can provide documentary evidence of these sorts of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the Certificate and will probably enhance the rating of your EPC.

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

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

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

The 3 mains things that have the main 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 or home heated by gas would cost you 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 around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating rating. 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 increase is actually really achieved if you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is generally sensed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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