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

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

Whenever you can provide documentary evidence of any of these kinds of improvements to the property then this can be shown on the Certificate and is likely to increase the rating of your EPC Certificate.

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

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

• 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 type of wall insulation Internal/Cavity/External– Any guarantees, or receipts from the installer

The three things that have the main 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 instance a home heated by gas would cost you around 4.64 pence per kwh and the same home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So using a typically semi which uses in the region of 12,000 kwh to heat the home, it would cost you £696 to heat by gas when compared to £2,760 for bottled LPG.. Therefore running costs affects the EPC rating. Higher expenses equates to 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 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 as previously mentioned. However, where it will have a greater impact, is if your property is upgraded from single glazing to double glazing. When you are changing from pre 2002 double glazing, to current double glazing, it will only show as a small increase in the energy rating of the property.

With double glazing the perception is usually felt by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Unfortunately 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 indeed help the Energy Performance Certificate since they are an affordable improvement that contributes to cheaper energy costs but nowhere near the same contribution as heating, insulation, and heating controls.