In most cases your Assessor should be able to get the vast majority of information they need by simply going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

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

If you can supply documentary evidence of these types of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the Certificate and will likely enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

• Roof extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

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

The 3 mains things that have the biggest impact 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 properties are generally heated by either of these 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 somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences 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 upgrades to the double glazing will make a difference, the greatest difference is actually really achieved when upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is typically noticed by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t look at the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since 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.