The data entered into the software is based on proof that the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically the Assessor can get the majority of the information whilst going around the property.

The Assessor must take photographic or gather documentary evidence which is required for audit reasons. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software. In this situation the program will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural plans.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the main 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 homes are generally 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 same 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 property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating score. Higher costs equates to lower ratings.

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 will come as a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as previously mentioned. Where it does have a greater impact, is if the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When 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 usually experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction 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 help the Energy Performance Certificate as they are an affordable improvement that makes a contribution to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.