In most cases your Assessor will obtain almost all 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 must take photographic or obtain documentary evidence which is required for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor must enter the term “as built” into the software. In such a case the software will use what the property would have been built with based upon it’s age.

If you can supply documentary proof of any 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.

• Any wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– Any guarantees, or receipts from the contractor

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

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

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

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

The three things that have the most significant 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 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 home heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the Energy Performance rating rating. 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 most significant increase is only really achieved if you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, it will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of cosiness from a reduction in draughts. As the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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