The information put into the software program is based on evidence that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get most of the information whilst going around the home.

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that will be required where no information is obtained. When the term “as built” must be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. This could have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

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

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

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

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

The 3 mains things that have the biggest effect on the energy rating are:

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

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 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-detached which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher expenses equates to 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 bit of a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. However, where it can have a larger impact, is if the home is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When 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 typically experienced 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 leads to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.