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

What we want to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items which are required where no proof is gathered. 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 built. EPC rating.

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and will probably improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

• Loft conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest 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 fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance 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 using around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £556 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher costs equals 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 may come as a bit of a shock, but double glazing does not have as big an impact 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 more substantial impact, is when your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are upgrading from pre 2002 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 noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction 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 EPC because they are an affordable improvement that leads to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.