In most cases your Assessor can obtain most 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.

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

Whenever you can supply documentary proof of these sorts of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and will likely enhance the rating of your EPC.

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

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architects drawings.

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

The 3 mains items that have the main impact on the energy rating are:

• The main source of fuel for heating the property
• The levels of insulation in the property.
• The heating system.

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 property or home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical property or home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas when compared with £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher costs equals 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 particular one will come as a bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as previously mentioned. However, where it will have a larger effect, is when the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is normally experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate because they are a low cost improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.