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

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

If you can provide documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The three items that have the main 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 example a property or home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar property or home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts 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
This one will come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned above. Where it will have a greater impact, is when the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is typically felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the EPC as they are an inexpensive improvement that makes a contribution to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.