The data put into the software is based on proof which the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically your Assessor will get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor has to take photographic or obtain documentary information that is important for audit purposes. If no proof is obtained then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software. In this case the software program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

If you can provide documentary evidence of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and will probably enhance the rating of your EPC.

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

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

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

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

• Loft conversions year it was built – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

The three items that have the most significant impact 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 house heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached which uses 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 affects the Energy Performance rating score. Higher expenses 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing will make a difference, the biggest difference is actually really achieved if you are upgrading from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is generally sensed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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