Introduction to energy efficiency in the UK
Energy efficiency plays a significant role in UK housing and potential homebuyers will often reject a property because of substandard qualities. So, what exactly is energy efficiency?
Essentially, energy efficiency is all about using less power for the same result. For instance, an inefficient boiler will cost more to run and heat your home to 20ºC than a modern A-rated replacement. It's worth noting, energy efficiency is different to energy conservation. Energy conservation is a physical act, such as turning down the thermostat.
In order to improve energy efficiency in the home, you should expect some financial outlay. However, it's important to remember energy efficient measures will pay you back in the coming years, thanks to the savings. This is an attractive option both financially and for the environment, by reducing CO2 emissions.
In the UK, the most effective energy efficiency measures include insulation, draught proofing and double glazed windows. Switching to energy saving light bulbs is also highly recommended. And with government targets of reducing CO2 emissions from homes by 24% by 2030, it's important to act now.
Why is energy efficiency so important?
Energy efficiency is extremely important and even the Government are under pressure to reduce the UK's total carbon emissions. There are two core reasons to pay more attention to your home's efficiency:
Save money. According to the Money Advice Service, the average annual gas bill for 2018 was £676, or £56.33 each month. That was a 3.1% rise compared to the prices for 2017. For 2018, the average electricity bill per year was £699, or £58.25 per month. This was an increase of 7.2% from 2017. With prices on the rise, any way of cutting down monthly costs can help.
Help the environment. By using less energy in the home, you'll help reduce the gas, coal and oil that are burnt to provide your fuel. This is saving precious resources, whilst cutting back on the level of pollution.
The Government has a long-term plan to combat carbon emissions in the UK and plans to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. In 2017, the Government released data which showed that direct CO2 emissions from homes has decreased by 18% since 1990. This was largely thanks to UK households having installed 182,300 heat pumps and 976,197 solar panels by 2017. These are just two of the ways you can reduce your household emissions. With increased energy efficiency you'll do your own bit to help the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Make sure your home is energy efficient
You might be able to save money by making your home more energy efficient by; Using your central heating effectively keeping your home warm for longer, making changes so you use less electricity and gas
Check your central heating
You'll spend more on energy if your heating system doesn't work or isn't set up properly.
Use timers and thermostats if you have them - this way you'll only heat your house when necessary. On average, you'll save around £70 each year.
If your heating doesn't work
Try to get it fixed as soon as possible so you don't need to use portable electric heaters, which cost more.
If you rent your home, ask your landlord to fix the heating. They usually have to make sure your plumbing and heating work properly. Check what repairs your landlord has to do.
Make improvements to your home
You might be able to reduce your bills, for example by adding insulation or installing a better heating system.
You might be able to get a home energy grant to help pay for the improvements.
If you're renting
You must get your landlord's permission before you make improvements to your home.
If your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) says your home is rated in band F or G, your landlord normally has to make some improvements.
Write to your landlord and ask them to make improvements to your home. Tell them the EPC rating should be at least band E. Explain that you think it's their responsibility.
If your landlord won't make the improvements you can complain to the council.
Your landlord won't have to make improvements if your home is exempt from the 'minimum standard' of energy efficiency. You can check if your home is exempt from the minimum standard on GOV.UK.