How to find an energy-efficient home

Key takeaways

• Energy features like double glazing often contribute to energy efficiency. Homes may use features such as insulation, glazing and ventilation to improve energy efficiency
• EPC ratings offer performance comparisons. Buyers can compare the energy performance of different properties and understand how efficiently a home uses energy through the likes of an EPC
• New-build homes often prioritise improvements in energy efficiency. Many newer homes are built to contemporary energy performance standards, although energy efficiency can vary between properties regardless of age

What makes a home energy efficient?

An energy-efficient home may be designed to use energy more effectively through features such as insulation, heating systems, glazing, ventilation and overall construction standards. Effective insulation and double or triple glazing can help reduce heat loss, while modern heating systems and smart controls may support more efficient energy use throughout the home. Over time, these features could contribute to saving electricity. Additional technologies, such as solar panels, may also help support a more contribute to making a home eco-friendly, while potentially improving the property's energy performance.

Why an EPC rating matters when buying a home

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provides information about a property's energy performance. An EPC can help buyers compare properties and understand how efficiently a home uses energy. It can also provide an estimate of energy costs and may identify improvements that could enhance performance. Ratings range from A to G, with A representing the highest level of energy efficiency and G the lowest.

EPC rating guide for buyers

An EPC rating can offer an indication of how energy efficient a property is. These ratings range from A, as the most efficient, to F and G as the least:

You can find an EPC via the GOV.UK website.

How insulation impacts energy performance

Insulation plays an important role in energy performance. By helping to slow heat transfer through the roof, walls and floors, homes with effective insulation may retain warmth more effectively. This can be especially important during colder periods where you may find yourself using more heating to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Signs of effective home insulation

The effectiveness of home insulation can be measured through quality and condition. This varies between properties and can be properly assessed during a property survey, but there are a few signs of effective insulation you can test yourself. Noticeable drafts may indicate poor insulation, whereas low energy consumption and stable indoor temperatures may indicate effective insulation. However, energy use is influenced by a range of factors, including household occupancy and behaviour.

How to assess the efficiency of a heating system

When assessing a home's energy efficiency, it can be helpful to consider the heating system and its potential running costs. Different systems, from boilers to heat pumps, operate in different ways and may deliver varying levels of energy performance depending on the property and how they are used. The suitability of a heating system will often depend on factors such as the home's design, household requirements and day-to-day usage patterns. Assessing these differences can help provide a clearer picture of how a home's heating system may contribute to its overall energy efficiency.

How windows, doors and ventilation can affect efficiency

Windows, doors and ventilation systems can all influence a home's energy performance and indoor temperature consistencies. Modern double or triple glazing may help reduce heat loss, while well-fitted doors can contribute to improved thermal performance. Ventilation remains equally important, as homes need adequate airflow to support indoor air quality. A balance between energy-efficient doors and windows, as well as proper ventilation, can help create comfortable living conditions no matter the time of year.

Are newer homes more energy efficient than older properties?

Every property is different, but many newer homes are built to contemporary building regulations that include certain energy performance requirements. For instance, new-build homes usually aim for an A or B EPC rating, meaning that energy efficient systems are essential. According to the House Building Federation's research, new-build homes cost around £420 less a year on average to run than older homes thanks to improvements in energy efficiency.

On the other hand, older homes may also achieve high levels of efficiency, particularly where improvements have been made over time. That's why comparing individual features such as insulation, glazing, heating systems and overall EPC ratings can often provide a clearer picture than considering age alone.

How to assess energy efficiency during a property viewing

A property viewing can provide an opportunity to explore the features that contribute to a home's overall energy performance. While some information may be available through documents such as EPCs, viewing a home in person can help buyers understand how energy-efficiency measures have been incorporated throughout the property.

Factors such as insulation, heating systems, windows and ventilation can all influence home energy efficiency. Looking at a combination of features, rather than a single measure alone, may provide a more complete picture of how energy efficient a home is.

Energy-efficient features that could help reduce running costs

Some energy-efficiency features may help households use energy more efficiently and this may influence overall running costs:

• Insulation may help reduce heat loss
• Energy-efficient heating systems may use less fuel to lower your bills
• Programmable thermostats and smart controls can help to track energy usage
• Double or triple glazed windows may help to retain heat and reduce draughts
• Efficient lighting such as the use of LED bulbs throughout the home may contribute to less energy usage

It is important to note that running costs of a home usually depend on energy prices, household behaviour and the property itself, not the energy-efficiency features alone.

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Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Please speak with a mortgage, financial or legal adviser for more information regarding your specific circumstances.