The data put into the software program is based on proof that the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get most of the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor has to take photographic or gather documentary information that is needed for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” in to the software. In this situation the software will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

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

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

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

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects plans.

The three things that have the most significant effect 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 generally heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a property or home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property or home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £596 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating score. Higher costs equates to lower ratings.

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 will come as a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. Where it will have a larger effect, is if your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are changing from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is normally noticed 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 recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the EPC as they are an affordable improvement that leads to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.