The data entered into the software is based on evidence which the Assessor collects during the visit. In most cases your Assessor can get the majority of the information whilst going around the home.

What we want to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no proof is gathered. If the term “as built” needs to be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was constructed. EPC rating.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and will likely help the rating of your EPC.

• Solar Thermal, or Solar PV – MCS certificate from contractor.

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

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

The three items that have the main effect 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 typically 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 around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects 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
This particular one may come as a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. Where it can have a greater impact, is when the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is generally experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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