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

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items that are required where no evidence is gathered. When the term “as built” has to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. This may have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can provide documentary proof of these kinds of improvements then this can be shown on the Certificate and will probably 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 contractor.

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

• Loft 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 property heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property 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 £596 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher costs 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 one may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as major 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 as mentioned before. Where it can have a more substantial effect, is when your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will 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 decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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 insulation, heating and heating controls.