The information entered into the software program is based on evidence which the Assessor gathers during the visit. In most cases the Assessor will get almost all of the information whilst going around the home.

The Assessor must take photographic or obtain documentary information that is necessary for audit purposes. If no evidence is gathered then the Assessor has to enter the term “as built” into the software. In this case the program will use what the property would have been built with determined by it’s age.

If you can supply documentary proof of these sorts of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the Certificate and will probably improve the rating of your EPC.

• 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 installer.

• Any wall insulation External/Cavity/Internal– Any guarantees, or receipts from the contractor

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

• Floor insulation/ sloping ceiling insulation – receipt from contractor 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 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 property or home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same property or home 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 property, it would cost £696 to heat with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher expenses 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the biggest difference is actually really achieved when improving from single glazed to doubled glazed. If you are simply modernising from pre 2002 double glazing, this would only show as a small improvement in the energy rating of the home. With double glazing the perception is typically experienced by the customer in terms of cosiness from a decrease in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t take into account the condition of any specific item, this kind of comfort gain is simply not measured.

 

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