The information put into the software is based on proof that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor can get almost all of the information whilst going around the property.

The Assessor must take photographic or gather documentary information which is important for audit purposes. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software program. In cases like this the program will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and will probably increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The three items 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 homes 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 property or home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £556 to heat with gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating 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 most significant increase is only really achieved if you are upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home. With upvc double glazing the perception is generally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any particular item, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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