The information put into the software program is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. Typically your Assessor will get the majority of the information whilst going around the property.

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no evidence 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 proof of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

• Any wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– {guarantee, or receipt from installer.}

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

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness fitted.

The three things that have the main impact 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 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 example a property heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC score. Higher expenses 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 bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. However, where it can have a more substantial effect, is when the property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase 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. Because the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate 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.