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 the majority of the information whilst going around the home.

What we should prevent is the Assessor putting into the software the term “as built” for items that will be required where no proof is gathered. If the term “as built” must be used then the software will default to the worst case scenario based upon what would have been there when the property was built. This can have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

If you can supply documentary proof of these sorts of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the EPC and is likely to help the rating of your EPC.

• 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 contractors showing thickness fitted.

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

The 3 mains 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 generally 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 or home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the exact 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 by gas when compared with £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
This one may come as a surprise, 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 mentioned above. Where it can have a greater impact, is when the home is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are improving 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 generally felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not measured.

 

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