In most cases your Assessor can obtain the majority of the information they require simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that are required where no evidence is gathered. When the term “as built” has to be used then the software program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. This may have a negative impact on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these types of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and will probably improve the rating of your EPC.

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects plans.

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

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

The three items that have the main 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 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 using a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher expenses 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
Although improvements to the double glazing can make a difference, the most significant increase is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, this will only show as a modest rise in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is generally sensed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is just not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate because they are a low cost improvement that contributes to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.