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The growing relevance of energy efficient homes
 
 
 
 
 
Alexanders    15th April 2022
 
Market Discussion | The growing relevance of energy efficient homes
 
With gas and electricity soaring in price, the cost of running your home has recently become much more important to prospective buyers.
 
The energy price cap rose a staggering 40% at the beginning of April and is due to rise again before the end of the year. Household bills are now on average 50% more expensive than what they were this time last year, and energy saving factors such as cavity wall insulation, new heating systems and a good overall energy efficiency rating are undoubtedly now an important factor for family home buyers when searching for their next property (data from latest GoCompare Home Insurance report).
 
In June 2021, the Government passed legislation bidding to make Britain carbon neutral by 2050. It is therefore imperative that the property market embrace energy saving methodology to improve the efficiency and running costs of our homes.

We have recently seen a shift in demand from buyers at all price points for homes offering energy efficient solutions. For example, the 19 new homes at Hornsey Rise in Wellsborough by Springbourne Homes are constructed to a standard surpassing that of the current building regulations, with 250-millimetre wall cavities incorporating high performance mineral insulation to ensure that they retain that all important energy. They also benefit from underfloor heating, and zoned, wirelessly operated heating thermostats.
 
Alchemy Haus in Carlton is more affordable to run in comparison with other properties in the prime property sector thanks to its energy efficient solutions. The property benefits from a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system. There are also solar panels to supplement the mains electricity, rainwater harvesting for the w.c flushes and garden maintenance, underfloor heating and a natural swimming pond which can be heated through an air source heat pump that is 300% efficient!
 
It is likely that by 2025 rental properties will need to rate 'C' or above on their energy certificate. This is a far cry from just 5 years ago when energy ratings didn't restrict the ability to rent your property. We advise that if you are looking to refurbish a property, the planned works should include a comprehensive programme of energy efficient solutions that future proof your investment.

Period Homes
 
A large portion of our homes in the UK are considered 'period or character'. These homes often have a certain charm, attraction, and individuality in comparison with more modern counterparts and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Whilst impossible to reform these often historical and important buildings to 'passive' or modern efficiency standards, there are a number of solutions available to their owners to safeguard against rising energy prices.
 
Air source heat pumps, replacement boilers, secondary glazing and internal insulation can all combine as positive changes, often without sacrificing any character features or originality. And small changes such as installing temporary chimney balloons, upgrading radiators, plugging keyholes and sealing gaps in doorways or junctions can helps top warm air escaping and aid towards a surprising saving in household running costs.

Sheepy Edge, Sheepy Parva
Should you be looking to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of a period property, Historic England recommend the use of an air tightness test and thermal imagery technology to identify any leaks or cold spots within a home. Improving the insulation of an older property is seen as essential for other energy efficient systems to work effectively, which is why Historic England stress the importance of homeowners taking a full and considered view before diving in and making costly changes.
 
The retrofit of an older property may include installing breathable wood fibre insulation panels on the walls and under the original floorboards, or the installation of a mechanical ventilation and heat recovery system which extracts warm and stale air from the kitchen and bathroom areas and supplies fresh filtered air to the rest of the living space. Not only could your property benefit from a lower energy consumption, but the system also reduces dust and pollen, making the air cleaner and healthier.

8 Simple Energy Saving Tips
 
Replace your light bulbs with energy efficient alternatives
LED bulbs cost £1.71 a year to run in comparison to halogen bulbs which cost £8.42. Outside your home, consider changing to solar lighting if you can.
 
Turn down your heating thermostat
Energy experts at Uswitch suggest turning your thermostat down by one degree could save you £80 a year on your household bills.
 
Clean and bleed your radiators
A dusty radiator won't radiate heat as effectively as a clean one, moreover, if the water can't circulate inside a radiator properly, more energy will be used. Why not add smart radiator valves which will turn the radiator off once a room has reached your chosen temperature.
 
Consider the layout of your room
Add rugs and heavy curtains with a thermal lining to retain the heat and help eliminate draughts. Draught-proofing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to save energy and reduce bills. Adding keyhole covers and a letterbox brush will prevent heat escaping, whilst airtight silicone can be used between skirting boards and floors.
 
Service your boiler annually
You may find your boiler is not working as efficiently as it could be, a properly serviced boiler should improve its performance and help reduce carbon emissions. Insulate your loft According to Which? insulation generally pays for itself within two to three years, and from then on a saving of up to £315 per year.
 
Consider easy-to-install new technologies
Wireless and remote thermostats provide the comfort of being able to adjust your heating away from your home. Should you accidentally leave the heating high during the day, these handy devices allow you to lower your heating remotely. Similarly, wireless plug sockets allow you to remotely turn off devices ordinarily left on standby with a simple app.
 
Smart Meters
The Government have given all electricity providers a deadline of 2024 to install smart meters in all homes and businesses. They provide real time information on electricity and gas usage in your home, limiting the risk of a 'surprise' bill and allowing you to monitor and adjust your usage throughout the month.
 

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Alexanders Property Services Ltd trading as Alexanders. Tel: 01509861222
Registered in England: 08476446. Registered Office c/o The Point, Granite Way, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 7TZ.
VAT Number: 171925008
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