The information put into the software is based on proof which the Assessor collects during the visit. In most cases your Assessor can get most of the information whilst going around the property.

The Assessor has to take photographic or gather documentary evidence which is needed 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 this can be shown on the EPC and will probably increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architectural drawings.

• Double glazing improvements 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.}

The three things that have the most significant 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 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 exact same property or home 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 to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating score. 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
This particular one may come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. Where it will have a greater impact, is if your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is generally experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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