In most cases your Assessor can get the majority of the information they require by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no proof is gathered. When the term “as built” needs 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 could have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and will likely improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains things that have the most significant impact on the energy rating are:

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

Main Source of Fuel
UK homes are generally heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same home 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 £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC 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
This one will come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big 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 in the property as mentioned above. Where it will have a greater effect, is if the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

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

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does help the EPC because they are an inexpensive improvement that contributes to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.