In most cases your Assessor can get a lot 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 the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no information is obtained. If the term “as built” has to be used then the software program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. EPC score.

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects plans.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items 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 properties are typically heated by either of these 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 around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar house which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. Higher expenses 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the greatest difference is actually really achieved when you are improving from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, it will only show as a small improvement in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are an affordable improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.