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

The Assessor will take photographic or obtain documentary evidence which is important for audit purposes. If no proof is gathered then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” in to the software. In this instance the software will use what the property would have been built with based on it’s age.

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

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

• Any type of wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or invoice from the contractor.

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

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

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

The 3 mains items 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 homes are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a property heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the similar property heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat with gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. Higher expenses 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
This particular one may come as a bit of a shock, but 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 as previously mentioned. However, where it does have a more substantial effect, is when the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small rise 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 take into account the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does help the EPC since they are an affordable improvement that makes a contribution to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating controls, heating system, and insulation.