EPC recommendations

All smoke and mirrors.

For example we have under floor insulation both upstairs and down. How are they going to check?

The loft is boarded over the insulation. Same question.

I assume that they assume that any modern parts were built to the Building Regulations current at the time, but how do you check the wall and roof insulation?

Cavity wall insulation has a habit of settling over time, so even if they see holes where insulation was injected, how do they know how far up the walls it goes?

As a very rough guide it may have some uses, but not to be relied on.

Cheers

Dave R

He has just answered.

The software chooses the recommendations that add most points, the assessor can't override them regardless of VFM, or the likelihood of grade 1 listed buildings being allowed PVC windows ...

A post questioning software is not on my horizon. But I am left a bit puzzled. Section 21 of RDSAP 10[1] just seems to require changes that add "at least 1 SAP point". I've certainly seen (albeit 10+ years ago) EPCs that started with a cheap and cheerful 1 point and quick payback for adding 170mm loft insulation.

His supposition was that adding 170mm loft insulation was only worth 1 point.

The suggested underfloor insulation an solar hot water were 2 points each (in the specified order) followed by PV which was worth 10 points, I'd have expected it to put PV first on the list based on points, would it really be worth less to do it first?

He did point out that 100mm of insulation ought to qualify for free top-up next time there's a govt scheme on offer.

Which meets the threshold for a recommendation.

I suppose it might be left off as a result of what seems to be a dumbing down to just 3 recommended changes. Once upon a time they would offer more. (Or alternatives to the ones recommended.)

I've never looked into the reasons for the order. But looks very out of date (not to say plain stupid) to put solar water heating ahead of PV panels these days.

But with that EPC a new owner may well think "I know from my EPC I don't need more loft insulation" and tell even a genuine caller offering free top-up to do one.