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

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no proof is obtained. When the term “as built” has to be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was constructed. This can have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary proof of these types of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to increase the rating of your EPC.

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architectural plans.

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains things that have the most significant 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 kinds of 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 which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. Higher costs 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
This particular one will come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. Where it does have a more substantial impact, is when the home is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is typically felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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