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

Your Assessor will take photographic or obtain documentary evidence that is important for audit purposes. If no evidence is obtained then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” into the software program. In this instance the software will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of any of these sorts of improvements then this can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Loft conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects plans.

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

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

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

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

The three things that have the biggest 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 generally heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical home which is 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 home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher expenses 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 particular one may come as a shock, but double glazing does not have as big 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 in the property as previously mentioned. However, where it can have a greater effect, is when the property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is usually noticed 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 lighting does help the Energy Performance Certificate as they are an inexpensive improvement that contributes to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.