The data entered into the software is based on proof which the Assessor collects during the visit. In most cases your Assessor will get almost all the information whilst going around the home.

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

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

• Solar Thermal, or Solar PV – MCS certificate from installer.

• Sloping ceiling insulation/ floor insulation – receipt from installers showing thickness fitted.

• Roof conversions year it was constructed – building control sign off, dated architectural plans.

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

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

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 homes are typically 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 house heated by gas would cost you somewhere in the region of 4.64 pence per kwh and the very same house heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi using in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the property, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC score. Higher expenses equals 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 bit of a surprise, but double glazing does not have as major an effect 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 mentioned above. Where it can have a larger impact, is when the house is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. If you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the property.

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

 

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