Typically your Assessor can get the vast majority of information they need simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we should avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no evidence is obtained. When 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 built. This could have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and is likely to improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

• Loft conversions year it was built – completion certificate, dated architects drawings.

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

• Any type of wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from contractors showing thickness fitted.

The three things that have the biggest 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 typically heated by either of these kinds of fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for instance a property heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using around 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC score. 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 one will come as a bit of a shock, but double glazing does not have as major an impact on the EPC as most people would assume. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used as earlier mentioned. Where it will have a larger impact, is when your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is typically felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lighting does indeed help the EPC as they are an affordable improvement that leads to lower energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.