The information entered into the software program is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. Typically your Assessor can get most of the information whilst going around the property.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items that are needed where no information is gathered. 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 built. This may have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

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

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects plans.

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

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

The 3 mains things that have the main 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 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 house heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher costs equals 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
Although improvements to the double glazing does make a difference, the biggest difference is only really achieved if you are improving from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, this would only show as a modest improvement in the energy rating of the property. With upvc double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific object, this kind of comfort gain is not measured.

 

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