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How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
Find out how you can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
The rise in electricity bills and the increased awareness of our environmental impact has led to a slew of homeowners looking at ways that they can make their homes more energy efficient and reduce their energy consumption. Many homeowners have already made changes, like adding solar panels, buying energy efficient white goods and investing in electric cars, whilst many are planning positive changes to move in the right direction.
The British government have made plans to decarbonise the housing in Britain. This means that home buyers will need to look at how they will improve the energy efficiency of new properties under the terms of their mortgage.
It is hoped that the plan to decarbonise will inspire lenders to help fund homeowners in putting green developments into action. The money spent will be added to their mortgage and then saved because the bills will be reduced.
Helping Climate Change
To step up in the fight against climate change, it is critical for UK homes to become more energy efficient and greener. Homes contribute approximately 23% of the UK’s total carbon dioxide output and 35% of its energy usage. Well built homes are in high demand and as such, the requirement to reduce carbon emissions has become increasingly crucial.
The Carbon Footprint of Property
New houses need to have a certain level of energy efficiency thanks to the Building Regulations, but owners of older properties can take steps to help improve the green credentials of their homes. This means they can reduce the carbon footprint and help save money. Many homeowners agree that saving money on energy bills is their motivation for making their home greener but just under half of homeowners also said that they wanted to contribute to a more sustainable world.
How is a Home Considered Green?
In the United Kingdom, EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) are an essential element of renting, selling, or buying a property. They show a home’s energy efficiency, which is based on:
- The amount of carbon dioxide emissions (measured in tonnes each year)
- The amount of energy used per m2
All properties are then rated on a scale (A-G), where A is the most efficient, with the lowest energy bills and the least impact on the environment. The EPC ratings (A-G) are based on the Energy Efficiency Index, which is a scale from 1-100. Any property rated from C upwards is thought of as a ‘green’ property.
Things that would help contribute to a higher (A-C) EPC rating:
- Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation
- Low-energy lights
- Double or triple glazing
- A condensing boiler
- Installing solar panels
Other things that can make your home more energy efficient:
- Reduce your thermostat to help reduce your energy consumption
- Wash clothes on the coolest temperature possible
- Replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs
- Compost food waste
- Check for draughts and draught proof your home
Continuing Energy Crisis
The rise in the cost of gas has had a huge impact across the board. It has motivated many homeowners to look at their energy consumption and make their homes more energy efficient. The increase in the cost of bills has hit millions of homes but many homeowners find energy efficient improvements to be cost prohibitive.
Some lenders provide incentives to borrowers, to encourage them to make their properties greener and more energy efficient. It has also been suggested by The Green Finance Institute for there to be a Stamp Duty Land Tax that is energy-adjusted to further motivate energy-efficient building work and help the green home financial landscape.
Can Taking Out a Green Mortgage Save You Money?
More borrowers can now benefit with reduced mortgage rates if they buy a home that is more energy efficient. If you would like to find out more about financing an energy efficient property, please contact Transparent Mortgage Services and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help you.
