8 out of 10 consumers in the UK feel that their next home’s energy efficiency is more important to them than ever, according to Knight Frank1. Some of this is due to worries about energy prices, while others claim they’re more aware of climate change as a result of high-profile events such as COP26.
So, what steps must you take to make your house more energy-efficient?
The roof, walls, and doors should be among your first priorities when trying to make your house more energy efficient. For instance, adding reflective roofing materials onto your roof can reduce heat absorption. Insulating walls with materials like foam or fibreglass helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures. You can also install weatherstripping and energy-efficient doors with proper seals, which can minimise drafts and conserve energy.
You might also want to consider improving or updating heating solutions, double or triple glazing, or energy efficient lighting solutions. While there’s plenty to consider when it comes to increasing your home’s energy efficiency, you should already have a helpful guide at your disposal in the form of your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
Using your EPC as a guide
As well as providing you with information about your home’s energy efficiency, an EPC also outlines what you can do to make it better.
Naturally, figures on a piece of paper are meaningless unless actions are taken to improve them. This is why recommendations are a mandatory component of every EPC report. The figures will be presented in order of significance, along with a rough estimate of how much each enhancement will cost.
These numbers will represent averages, just like the ones below, but they’re still a great resource for planning and budgeting your energy efficiency upgrades.
The price of enhancing the energy efficiency of your home
Since every person’s needs and property are unique, it’s difficult to put a precise number on increasing your home’s energy efficiency. When doing your calculations, remember that there will also be some fluctuation based on the region you’re in.
The values below are based on data taken from numerous trade sites and are as current as possible, although there may be variations in what you’re quoted due to changes in inflation and other factors.
Wall insulation
The cost of wall insulation varies based on what you require and the size of your property, and it may include both the interior and exterior, or simply one of the two.
External wall insulation generally costs:
- Detached homes – £17,500
- Semi-detached – £9,000
- Mid-terrace – £7,000
The typical price for solid wall insulation is between £5,000 and £10,400, according to Checkatrade2.
Insulation for floors
The price of floor insulation varies depending on the size of your house and the kind of flooring you already have. Accordingly, the average price is about £8003 – although it may end up costing you £500 depending on the materials you select.
Insulation for the roof and loft
Depending on how much insulation you require, the cost of your roof and loft could range from £9 to £600 for the entire loft4. Since soft insulation literally consists of loose fill fabric, it will be your best bet if you’re after a quick and simple fix. However, quilt insulation, which is more expensive (and includes labour costs), may be necessary if you want to make a notable difference.
Enhance the windows and doors
One advantage of replacing or upgrading your doors and windows is that your home will be warmer and have fewer cold spots. Additionally, they can help to keep your house quieter by isolating it from outside noise, while energy-efficient glass helps to lessen condensation build-up on the inside of your windows.
The average price for a set of A-rated windows for a semi-detached home is roughly £7,5005, according to the Energy Saving Trust. You may save up to £195 and lessen your annual carbon impact by 330kg by doing this.
Switching out your boiler
Depending on your home’s heating needs and the particular model of boiler you want, you can anticipate paying anywhere from £600 and £2,5006 for a new boiler. You should always keep an eye out for A-rated or better products when buying eco-friendly boilers.
A modern combi boiler is significantly more energy efficient than other boiler types, as it heats your home and delivers hot water. They can cost anywhere from £1,500 and £3,500, putting them on the pricier side.
Draught prevention
One of the more affordable methods for increasing your home’s energy efficiency is draught proofing. It’s worth getting this done as a quick win, as it means you can probably lower your thermostat a little more, which will enable you to save more money during the cooler months.
For the entire property, professional draught proofing might cost about £2257. Although it can be done through DIY and will be less expensive as a result, some properties will be harder to draught-proof – particularly those with single-glazed windows.
Energy efficient lighting
Saving money is one of the main reasons people choose to switch to LED bulbs, due to the fact that they’re inherently more energy-efficient, more cost-effective, and last longer. Prices will vary, but you can often get LED bulbs in various sizes for reasonable prices. Make sure you purchase the correct fittings and wattage for your light fixtures. Simply multiply the price of a bulb by the quantity of lights you wish to replace in your home to calculate the cost.
Grants and programmes
While many people may find LED bulbs and draught-proofing to be inexpensive solutions, the remainder of the expense to make a home more energy efficient can be prohibitive. The government attempted to assist homeowners with house renovations through programmes like the Green Homes Grant, which ended in 2021.
Additional examples of green funding and programmes include:
- Help to Heat (delivered by installers, local governments, and energy providers)
- The Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is in effect until 2025
- Low-income families residing in the worst-performing homes may be eligible for the Home Upgrade Grant
- Energy companies can assist customers in lowering the cost of their heating under the Energy Company Obligation.
Hopefully, as public interest in green living grows, there will be more funding and programmes available. We may need to wait and see, but there are calls for the government to replace the Green Homes programme.
Find more information
There are a number of different ways that you can spend your money in an energy-efficient home. Of course, the first option is to purchase a house that is already designed for efficiency, but this is typically not feasible.
Investing in your home and finding methods to make it more energy efficient are two of the best things you can do to potentially improve its value and eco-friendliness. This could entail putting money aside for a while to perform the renovations, or remortgaging to release equity and carry out the renovation work.
Before you make any significant financial decisions about your home, it’s worthwhile speaking to an industry professional. Contact one of our mortgage advisers, as they can assist you in making the right choices for your house and circumstances.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.
1Knight Frank, 2022
2Checkatrade, 2022
3My Job Quote, 2022
4Checkatrade, 2022
5Energy Savings Trust, 2022
6Heatable, 2022
7Energy Saving Trust, 2022
8H&V News, 2022