In most cases your Assessor will be able to obtain the vast majority of information they need by just going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

The Assessor must take photographic or gather documentary evidence that is required for audit reasons. If no proof is gathered 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.

If you can provide documentary proof of these sorts of improvements then this can be shown on the Certificate and will likely increase the rating of your EPC.

• Any type of wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

The three items that have the main impact on the energy rating are:

• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.
• The main source of fuel for heating the property

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes are generally heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the same house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £556 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing will make a difference, the biggest increase is actually really achieved when you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, it will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is generally felt by the customer in terms of cosiness from a decrease in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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