Energy Efficient Homes Save Money

Brits are making their homes more energy efficient but many decide to 'go green' for financial rather than environmental reasons, a new survey claims.

Three quarters of those surveyed said that cutting the cost of their fuel bills was more important to them in becoming energy efficient than helping to reduce carbon emissions, according to research from propertyfinder.com.

Just under half of respondents said they would carry out energy efficiency improvements to their home out of concern for the environment.

Jim Buckle of propertyfinder.com said: "It is evident that energy efficiency is an increasing consideration among homeowners, with saving money a priority.

"Most people already take advantage of double-glazing, loft and boiler insulation - which generate some savings - yet few are taking advantage of the lesser-known measures.

"For example, cavity wall and under-floor insulation as well as condensing boilers can generate much greater savings on fuel bills," he said.

If floor installation is professionally installed, homeowners can recoup the money through savings on their electricity bill within two to three years of having it fitted.

This works out as half the amount of time that it takes to recover the cost of roof insulation yet under a quarter of homeowners have installed it whilst 84 per cent have insulated their lofts.

Meanwhile, four out of five houses have double glazing which cuts £40 off the average £750 annual energy bill yet costs thousands of pounds to install.

But fewer than one in three households has a condensing boiler despite the fact it could save between 30 and 40 per cent a year on fuel bills and costs £1,000 to install.