In most cases your Assessor should be able to obtain almost all of the information they need by just going around the home. The data entered into the software is based on evidence gathered during the visit.

What we want to prevent is the Assessor putting into the software program the term “as built” for items that are required where no evidence is obtained. If the term “as built” has to be used then the program 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}

If you can supply documentary proof of any of these sorts of improvements then this can be shown on the EPC and will likely enhance the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

• Loft extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architectural plans.

• 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– Any guarantees, or invoice from the installer

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 homes are generally heated by either of these 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 you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same property or home 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 with gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs influences the EPC rating. Higher expenses 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 double glazing does not have as major an effect on the EPC as most people would think. Certainly not nearly as much as the heating, the insulation and the type of fuel used in the property as mentioned before. Where it does have a more substantial impact, is if the house is up-graded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, this would only show as a small rise in the energy rating of the home.

With double glazing the perception is generally experienced by the customer in terms of comfort from a decrease in draughts. Because the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific item, this comfort gain is not recorded.

 

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