Research by property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix, surveyed over 1,000 UK homeowners to have purchased their home within the last six months, finding that for 53%, a home’s energy efficiency rating was an important consideration during their search. The good news is that the average energy efficiency rating of our homes has increased by 10.5 points over the last decade, up from a score of 55.6 to 66.1.
Despite this, 74% of homeowners also stated that the energy efficiency of their homes has become more important to them as a result of the current cost of living crisis.
So much so that 77% stated they had made a conscious effort in order to increase their home’s energy efficiency.
The most common attempts to reduce energy bills have been done by simply turning off appliances at the plug when not in use. The use of energy-effective light bulbs also ranked high, while many have also opted to service their boiler to ensure it is running as best it can.
The installation of a smart meter was also a popular way to reduce energy consumption, as was reducing draft areas within the home.
It seems as though it has been time and money well spent for the nation’s homeowners, with 56% seeing a reduction in their energy bills as a result. That said, 78% still believe their home could be more energy efficient, but the cost of upgrading their home is the main factor preventing them from doing so.
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.
"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.”
