Typically your Assessor will be able to get a lot of the information they need by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

The Assessor has to take photographic or obtain documentary information which is necessary for audit reasons. If no evidence is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software program. In this instance the program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest effect 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 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 house heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same house which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating score. Higher costs 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
This one may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned above. However, where it will have a more substantial effect, is when your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is usually experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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