Energy-efficient homes are designed to conserve energy and reduce its consumption.
Many components influence a home’s energy efficiency, such as design and appliances. The average household energy bill is expected to increase by £139. For this reason, there is a lot to consider when buying a home to ensure that you can cut back on your energy bills.
So, what should you look out for? Here are a few energy-efficient features when buying a home.
Check insulation
Studies have shown that about one-third of heat produced in a home is lost through the roof, floors, walls and windows.
This means more energy is used to keep the house at the desired warmth. This is why it is essential to consider the insulation of the home you are about to purchase. You should inspect the home for air leaks around the frames of doors and windows. Check for noticeable gaps, drafts and any sticks when you open or close every door or window before making a buying decision.
Not carrying out insulation checks would mean incurring high energy costs or spending significant amounts of money installing effective insulation measures after the purchase.
Home size and shape
The size and shape of your home can influence its energy efficiency.
Large home has a large surface area that increases drafts and heat transfer opportunities. This means that the extra space will cost you more in heating and cooling.
This also applies to the shape of the home since open floor plans and rooms with high ceilings can be challenging to keep warm. Such spaces have more room to heat and require extra energy to make them comfortable.
Eco-friendly building materials
Construction materials made from eco-friendly material is another feature to consider.
Various eco-friendly building materials such as renewable timber, mud bricks, or rammed earth can help keep a home energy efficient. In addition, these materials ensure that you play your part in keeping the earth safe.
Therefore, be sure to request a layout of the house’s building materials before you go ahead to purchase it.
Alternative energy solutions
Another energy-efficient feature to look out for is whether it has alternative energy solutions when purchasing a home.
A recent report by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy suggests a sturdy growth in the use of renewable energy in the UK. Wind power dominates the UK’s renewable energy, and solar energy contributes approximately 28% to its total energy generation.
While there are many alternative home energy options to consider, including wind and bioenergy, a 2021 survey says that 48% of Brits believe solar power is the most cost-effective energy solution.
There are several advantages to implementing alternative energy solutions in a home. Additionally, be sure these solutions were installed by reputable renewable energy firms such as All Seasons Energy to ensure they are of the best quality.
Besides this list of energy-efficient features, there are still a lot more you can look out for. Fortunately, a home inspector can get the details on the home you intend to buy and help you gain insight into which features make it an energy-efficient one.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post