As a society, energy efficiency and eco-friendly living have become a collective goal. Many people are looking for ways they can decrease their impact on the environment.
Buying a new home is an expensive purchase so you want to make sure you get the most for your money. You will want a home that will serve you well long into the future. Buying a home whilst taking energyefficiency into account will help you to do that.
Lower energy bills
Homes which are focused on energy efficiency tend to reflect that in their build. Thicker insulation, double-glazing and efficient heating systems are all ways to improve the way your new home retains heat. New homes tend to have these features as standard, making them the perfect investment.
A home which keeps the heat in for longer means you don’t have to heat it as much or for as long. This reduces your energy bills and saves you some vital cash.
Environmentally friendly living
Living in an environmentally friendly space does help to reduce your overall carbon footprint. Using less energy will lower the carbon emissions of your family, as well as other sustainable living practices such as composting and water conservation.
The government are fully supportive of people who want to live this way by promoting greener building standards. This is outlined in the Future Homes Standard.
Healthier living environment
People who live in an energy-efficient home will often find that they have better air quality and a standard of living. Modern houses come with modern ventilation systems which reduce risks associated with dampness, mould and allergens.
Better air quality leads to a reduction in respiratory-based illnesses such as asthma, COPD and pneumonia.
Increased property value
There is no doubt that homes with a focus on energy efficiency have become sought after by buyers, mainly due to their cost-saving abilities. With every home sale, an energy performance certificate (EPC)which indicates how well a building is using energy and typical energy usage is provided. It will also suggest improvements which can be made to improve the ratings.
Therefore, homes with better EPC ratings tend to resell at a higher value than those that don’t. This is because new owners may need to invest money to improve their ratings and lower their own bills.
Green mortgages
Mortgages are part of owning a home for most homeowners, so why not take advantage of a green mortgage? These are specifically designed to reward households who are moving into an energy-efficient home or trying to make one greener. This could be in the form of favourable interest rates or cashback on your mortgage.
There are some government incentives which are designed to support energy efficiency in homes. For those who need to improve their homes, the HUG scheme could help if you do not have a gas boiler.
