In most cases your Assessor should be able to get a lot of the information they need simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

Your Assessor must take photographic or obtain documentary information that is necessary for audit reasons. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” into the software. In this case the software will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

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

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

• Double glazing improvements made 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.}

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the most significant impact 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 example a house heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar house 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 £596 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher expenses equates to 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 upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the greatest difference is only really achieved if you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, it will only show as a small improvement in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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