Typically your Assessor should be able to obtain almost all of the information they need by simply going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that will be required where no evidence is gathered. If the term “as built” must be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

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

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

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

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architectural drawings.

The three items that have the biggest effect 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 properties 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 house heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same house 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 home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs equals 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing will make a difference, the biggest difference is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, this would only show as a modest improvement in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is typically sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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