Typically your Assessor will 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 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.

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

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

• Loft extensions 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.

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

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 around 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 expenses 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 will come as a bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. However, where it will have a greater impact, is if the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

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

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since 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.