Typically your Assessor will be able to get the majority of the information they require simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no information is obtained. When the term “as built” needs to be used then the software program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. EPC rating.

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

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

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from contractors showing thickness installed.

• Loft conversions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architectural drawings.

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest effect on the energy rating are:

• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.
• The main source of fuel for heating the property

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 home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC 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
This will come as a bit of a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not 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 impact, is if your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If 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 property.

With double glazing the perception is generally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does help the EPC since they are an affordable improvement that contributes to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.