Typically your Assessor can obtain almost all 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 need to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the phrase “as built” for items which are required where no information is gathered. When 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 constructed. This can have a negative effect on the {rating of the EPC}

Whenever you can provide documentary proof of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then these can be shown on the Certificate and will likely improve the rating of your EPC.

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architectural drawings.

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

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

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

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from installer showing thickness installed.

The 3 mains items 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 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 home heated by gas would cost somewhere in the region of 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 using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost £696 to heat by gas in comparison to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs impacts the Energy Performance rating rating. Higher costs equates to 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 particular one may come as a surprise, but upvc double glazing does not have as big an impact on the EPC as most people would imagine. Certainly not as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as previously mentioned. However, where it can have a more substantial impact, is when the property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are improving from pre 2002 upvc double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is normally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Unfortunately the EPC doesn’t take into account 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 since they are an affordable improvement that makes a contribution to reduced energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as insulation, heating and heating controls.