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

What we need to avoid is the Assessor putting into the software the phrase “as built” for items which 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. EPC score.

Whenever you can supply 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.

• Roof extensions year it was constructed – completion certificate, dated architects 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

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

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

The three things that have the main 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 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 similar home which is heated by bottled LPG 23p per kwh. {*source 2019 Nottingham Energy Partnership.} So with 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 impacts the EPC score. Higher costs 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
Although upgrades to the double glazing can make a difference, the biggest increase is actually really achieved when you are improving from single glazing to doubled glazing. If you are simply upgrading from pre 2002 double glazing, this would only show as a modest rise in the energy rating of the property. With double glazing the perception is normally noticed by the customer in terms of comfort from a reduction in draughts. Since the EPC doesn’t consider the condition of any specific object, this kind of 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 insulation, heating and heating controls.