The data entered into the software program is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases your Assessor will get almost all of the information whilst going around the home.

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which will be required where no proof is gathered. When the term “as built” needs to be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. This may have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of these sorts of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and will probably 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 – An MCS certificate from contractor.

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from contractor showing thickness installed.

• Loft extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

The three items that have the main 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 properties are typically heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical house 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 you £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating 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 improvements to the double glazing can make a difference, the greatest increase is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a decrease in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific object, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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