In most cases your Assessor is able to obtain most of the information they require simply by going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

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

If you can provide documentary evidence of any of these sorts of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The 3 mains items that have the biggest effect 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 properties are typically heated by either of these fuel sources: gas, peak rate electric, off peak electric, oil, bulk or bottled LPG. So for example a house heated by gas would cost around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same house which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the EPC score. 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 will come as a bit of a shock, but upvc double glazing does not have as major 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 mentioned above. Where it will have a more substantial effect, is if your property is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is generally felt 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 lighting does help the EPC as they are an inexpensive improvement that leads to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.