Typically your Assessor will be able to get almost all of the information they need simply by going around the property. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items which are needed where no proof is gathered. If the term “as built” has to be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was constructed. EPC score.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and will probably increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

• Any type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– 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 installed.

• Loft conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

The 3 mains things that have the main 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 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 around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical property which is 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 home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC score. Higher costs equates to lower scores.

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 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 nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as mentioned above. Where it can have a more substantial impact, is if your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are updating from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is usually noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately 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 indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate because they are an inexpensive improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.