In most cases your Assessor will get most of the information they require simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

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

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these types of improvements then this can be shown on the Certificate and will likely help the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Any wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

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

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

• Loft conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural drawings.

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

The 3 mains items that have the main 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 home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher costs 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing does make a difference, the most significant difference is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this will only show as a modest rise in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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