What makes a home energy efficient?

In most cases, an energy efficient property is a house or a flat with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating between A-C and, in a nutshell, this means you reduce your negative impact on the environment, and you pay less in energy bills.

So, what are some key pointers that make a property more energy efficient? As part of the Countrywide Group we have access to plenty of energy efficient properties that will help exemplify what “green” features to look out for.

Insulation

Insulating a property is a key component to making it more energy efficient. Various types of insulation exist to help regulate the temperatures in a flat or house, including ground floor insulation, solid, and cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. Properties in which the insulation has been renewed or in newly built properties tend to have better energy ratings.

Alternative energy sources

Using renewable or alternative energy sources to gas, oil, and coal are excellent ways to ensure your property is more energy efficient.

Solar panels

Although the UK may not be known for its sunny weather, having solar panels on your roof not only makes it a more energy efficient property, but can also help decrease your energy costs – even without continuous or direct sunlight.

Other perks include reducing your carbon emissions, and it may even increase your home’s value.

Heat pumps

Another way to reduce your carbon footprint is by installing a heat pump. There are two different types: ground source heat pumps and air source heat pumps – both are energy efficient ways to provide your home with hot water. The main difference being the heat source. As their names suggest, ground source heat pumps (GSHP) absorb heat from the ground and air source heat pumps (ASHP) from the surrounding air.

If you’re searching for homes where you can subsidise your energy bills with a heat pump, then why not have a look at this stunning option.

Additional energy efficient features

Of course, the above factors aren’t the only factors to look out for. Other features, such as homes that have double or triple glazed windows, upgraded boilers and the option to install smart appliances, as well as a smart metre, can help make a real difference in how energy efficient a home is.

Other benefits of “green” properties

When investing in a more environmentally friendly property, you’ll also find that there are various other benefits associated with it. For example, green mortgages, which is a Government backed-incentive rewarding people who buy energy efficient homes or helps people who plan to make their homes more energy efficient. Some lenders offer mortgages with lower interest rates or higher cashback to customers who take out a mortgage on an energy efficient property. In addition, some lenders will increase their LTI (loan to income) multiples, meaning customers could potentially be able to borrow more.*

If you’re on the search for your perfect property and don’t want to miss out on any energy efficient features, then get in contact today and talk to one of our property experts.

YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. YOU MAY HAVE TO PAY AN EARLY REPAYMENT CHARGE TO YOUR EXISTING LENDER IF YOU RE-MORTGAGE.

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