The data put into the software is based on evidence which the Assessor collects during the visit. Typically your Assessor can get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items that are needed where no evidence is obtained. When 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. This could have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

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

• 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 installer.

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

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

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

The three items that have the main effect 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 properties are generally heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a home heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same home heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi-detached which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts 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 may come as a surprise, but double glazing does not have as big an effect 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 previously mentioned. However, where it can have a greater effect, is when the property is upgraded 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 increase 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. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any particular item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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