Typically your Assessor will obtain the majority of the information they require by just going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

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

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of any of these types of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely help the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architects plans.

The three things that have the most significant 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 generally 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 property heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact same property which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC 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
This particular one may come as a bit of a shock, but double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. Where it does have a greater effect, is if the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this will 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 comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting 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.