What are the best home improvements for energy efficiency? With recent statistics showing that energy-efficient homes attract more buyers, we thought we’d take a look. We explore some of the home upgrades you can make to improve your property’s energy efficiency. Whether you do it for your own benefit, or to help you sell your property further down the line. Find out more…

The facts around energy-efficient homes

Recent figures from Dataloft and RICS Residential Property Monitor January 2024 show that buyers are increasingly looking for more energy-efficient homes. Agents have reported an increased interest from buyers increasing to 39% this year, compared to 34% the year before. Agents also stated that 43% of property sellers were looking to add a premium to homes that are more energy efficient. And 37% noticed that those homes with higher energy efficiency were holding their value in the current market.

What can you do to make your home more energy efficient?

From smaller improvements to larger alterations, there are a few ways to make your home more energy efficient. Each and every method can make a difference. To consider what’s right for you for, it comes down to the type and style of home you have and most importantly, your budget.

It pays to look at improvements for energy efficiency as a long-term investment. The larger the improvement, the more it will cost. But remember, as well as making significant savings on your energy bills, such improvements can also add a premium value to your property.

Update kitchen appliances

If you are having a new kitchen installed as part of a home renovation, then it’s a good time to update your appliances. And if you’re not getting a new kitchen – are any of your appliances due an update? By updating your appliances to new, modern versions, you can save on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Check the energy labels when you are looking to buy kitchen appliances – an A-rating is considered the most energy efficient.

Insulation – cavity wall

It’s a fact that by having adequate insulation in your walls as much as in your roof space you can prevent heat from escaping. Homes built before 1990 will not have had cavity wall insulation installed as standard. If your home has cavity walls – have you had insulation installed?

Now, we know Altrincham has a lot of older properties, many dating before 1920. Such properties are more likely to have solid walls or a more limited cavity, therefore cavity wall insulation will not be a viable option. There are way to insulate solid walls from both the inside and outside, both of which are costly. The most cost-effective method might be to fit internal insulation boards to a room when you are redecorating, even if it is working on a room at a time.

Insulation – loft 

With regards loft insulation, which is laid between and over the ceiling joists, it’s worth checking whether you have enough in your loft space. Today, the government recommend a minimum loft insulation thickness of 270mm. Loft insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to reduce heat loss and energy waste. It will certainly pay to get a professional installer in to insulate your loft, using the correct materials to the correct thickness.

Replace windows and doors

Is it time to replace those draughty windows and doors? Or maybe it’s an old front door which is causing you to lose lots of heat. While it is expensive, new glazing is an excellent investment and will add value to your property. From an energy saving perspective, double glazing will keep warm air in, reducing draughts and your energy bills. There are even triple-glazed window options readily available on the market today. Of course, the type and style of windows or doors you get depends ultimately on the type of home you have, and your budget.

But if you are replacing windows or doors with the view to sell in the future – make sure to get a FENSA certificate for your installation from your glazing installer.

Solar panels

Solar panels or Solar photovoltaics (PV) are proving very popular with homebuyers. What’s great about them is that you know from the moment they are installed, their energy efficiency will reduce your electricity bills. And, depending on how much energy you generate, you can even be paid for any surplus energy you export back to the grid. Or you can save it for later use.

To prove how much solar panels have grown in popularity, data from the MCS shows there were more than 183,000 certified solar PV installations across the country in 2023. This compares to 138,000 in 2022.

The type and size of your property will matter if you’re thinking about installing solar panels. Professional installers will assess the size of solar panel system you will need based on the size of your property. From there they can establish the amount of adequate roof space you have and how many panels it will be able to take.

Electric vehicle charging points

Another popular feature with home buyers is having an electric vehicle (EV) charging point installed at your property. If you have an electric or plug-in hybrid car at home, you’ll likely have this cheaper and easier means of charging your vehicle. Properties with off-road parking such as a driveway or garage are perfect for having an EV charging point installed. And with over 1million fully electric cars on the road as of the end of February 2024, there’s growing interest in electric vehicles.

Having an EV charger installed at a property is an attractive addition for homebuyers. And if you have one which is compatible with a renewable energy source such as solar, then even better!

Air source heat pumps

Coming in at the very top of the energy efficiency improvement budget is air source heat pumps. To explain how they work simply, they transfer heat from the air outside and turn it into water. This then heats rooms in your home via radiators or underfloor heating. Water can also be heated in a hot water cylinder for taps, showers, and baths.

With the typical cost of an air source heat pump at around £15k, it’s worth checking whether there is any government funding available for them in your area. The crucial consideration for heat pumps is making sure you have ample space for one outside of your property, be it on a wall or on the ground. They do take up a bit of room and need extra space around the unit for air flow. But if you’re able to have one installed, you can add around 7% to the value of your home and see savings on your energy bills too!

Is 2024 the year for you to put your Altrincham home on the market? Whatever the current green credentials of your home, contact us for a free professional valuation and estimate. Call us on 0161 941 4445 or send us a message here.