Typically your Assessor will obtain the vast majority of information they need by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

The Assessor must take photographic or obtain documentary information which is needed for audit reasons. If no evidence is gathered then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” into the software program. In this instance the software program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

If you can supply documentary proof of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Any type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

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

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

• Loft conversions year it was built – building control sign off, 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 most significant effect 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 properties 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 somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating rating. 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
Although improvements to the double glazing will make a difference, the biggest difference is actually really achieved when you are upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, this will only show as a modest 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 reduction in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific object, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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