In most cases your Assessor will be able to get most of the information they need by just going around the property. 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 program the phrase “as built” for items that will be required where no evidence is gathered. If the term “as built” needs to be used then the program will default to the worst case scenario based on what would have been there when the property was constructed. EPC rating.

Whenever you can supply documentary evidence of any of these types of improvements then these can be shown on the EPC and will likely improve the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

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

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

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

The three things 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 homes 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 you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the identical house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with a typically semi which uses around 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas as compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs equals 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 particular one will come as a shock, but upvc 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 does have a larger effect, is when the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are upgrading from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

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

 

Low Energy Lights
Again low energy lights does help the EPC since they are an inexpensive improvement that leads to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.