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

Your Assessor has to take photographic or obtain documentary evidence that is important for audit purposes. If no evidence is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software program. In cases like this the software will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements then these can be shown on the Certificate and will likely increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The three things that have the most significant impact 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 example a home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses in the region of 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 influences the Energy Performance rating 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 does make a difference, the greatest difference is only really achieved if you are improving from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are modernising from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a small improvement in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is normally experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular object, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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