Focus On Energy Efficiency In Housing Market

Focus On Energy Efficiency In Housing Market

A study carried out by Help me Fix, which spoke with more than 1,000 people who have bought property in the past six months, found more than half of the respondents said energy efficiency was a massive factor for them when looking at buying a new home.

74% of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis makes energy efficiency even more vital for them, and 77% of respondents have taken steps to improve the energy efficiency of their house.

1.  Use energy-efficient appliances

One of the simplest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to use energy-efficient appliances. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy than standard appliances, which can help to reduce your energy bills. There are a variety of energy-efficient appliances available on the market, including refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers.

2.  Install double-glazed windows

Another way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to install double-glazed windows. Double-glazed windows are two layers of glass with a layer of air in between them. This helps to insulate your home and keep it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

3.  Seal any gaps or cracks

One of the biggest sources of heat loss in a home is through gaps and cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings. Sealing these gaps can help to prevent heat from escaping, which will make your home more energy efficient and comfortable. You can seal gaps with caulk, weather stripping, or expansion foam.

4.  Insulate your home

Another way to improve the energy efficiency of your home is to ensure that it is properly insulated. Insulation helps to keep heat from escaping, which can help to reduce your heating and cooling costs. There are a variety of insulation materials available on the market, including fiberglass, cellulose, and spray foam.

5.  Use LED light bulbs

LED light bulbs are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LED light bulbs use less electricity and last longer than incandescent bulbs, which can help to save you money on your energy bill. Additionally, LED light bulbs do not produce as much heat as incandescent bulbs, which can help to keep your home cooler in the summer months.

6.  Consider solar power

Solar power is a renewable source of energy that can help to reduce your carbon footprint and save you money on your energy bill. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power your home. Solar power systems can be used for a variety of applications, including heating water, generating electricity, and powering appliances

How you can make changes – we can help

Ettan Bazil, CEO and Founder of Help me Fix said: “Many households will find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place at present, keen to upgrade their home to make it more energy efficient, but unable to cover the cost of doing so with our household finances currently spread thin due to the cost of living crisis. But while a new boiler or double glazing is an expensive way to cut energy costs, there are a number of smaller, more affordable endeavours that can help cut your energy bills. Energy suppliers are currently obliged to swap you to a smart meter and this is a great way of better managing your energy output. It’s also completely free to ensure you avoid leaving electrical appliances on standby and turn everything off at the plug when not in use.”

Ettan Brazil also said; “You can also look to upgrade your appliances to more energy-efficient ones for a marginal cost, as well as the bulbs throughout your home. Every little helps in this respect and these small changes will make a difference. Finally, try and locate any drought areas within your home, even if it’s a makeshift solution using a thick blanket to block the space underneath doors, for example. In doing so, you’ll ensure the warmth stays within your home and you can reduce the energy used heating it.”

Contact Coakley & Theaker for all your Bury St Edmunds property market needs

At Coakley & Theaker, we aim to support the local community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today by calling us on 01284 769691.