What homeowners want - 78% of homeowners want more energy efficient property

Property maintenance solution provider, Help me Fix, revealed that 74% of homeowners determine that the energy efficiency of their home is important.

By surveying more than 1,000 UK homeowners who purchased a property over the past six months these results were found. In total, 53% labelled a home’s energy efficiency rating as important. 

With the cost of living crisis putting strain on household finances, many hope to improve the energy efficiency of their homes to reduce energy bills. 

Attempts to increase energy efficiency ratings

Although the average energy efficiency rating of our homes has increased by 10.5 points over the last decade, many are adamant to make changes.

77% of participants stated they had made an effort to increase their home’s energy efficiency. 

The research also looked into the different ways participants tried to increase the energy efficiency of their homes.

Turning off appliances at the plug when not in use, energy efficient light bulbs, and boiler servicing are three of the most common changes that were made. 

Smart meter installations along with reducing draft areas of the home were other popular ways to reduce energy consumption. 

56% have seen a reduction in their energy bills as a result of the changes done around the home. While 78% believe their home could be more energy efficient, the cost is what is preventing them from making the appropriate changes.

Ettan Bazil, chief executive officer 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.”