Eco Warrior or Energy Waster

How to find an eco-friendly property

 

With the backdrop of spiralling energy costs, uncertainty about global supplies of oil and gas and fear caused by global warming, it is not surprising that increasing numbers of households are looking to be greener.  There are huge benefits in greater energy efficiency and not least the positive difference that can be made to your pocket. 

 

Top Tips for Buying Green

· Buying a new home usually results in a greener choice.  Recent legislation means that new homes are on average up to four times more efficient than second hand homes.  The UK Government has further set itself the task of making all new homes carbon neutral by 2016. 

· Check for high levels of insulation, especially in the attic of your prospective property as up to15% of a home’s heat can be lost through the roof in poorly insulated homes. 

· Investigate your prospective boiler to make sure it is a high efficiency condensing type that will not guzzle the gas. 

· Look to see if the windows are single paned or double-glazed and if you can feel any draft?  Do the seals around windows and doors seem airtight?

· Consider whether the property has a good availability of natural lighting to save on lighting costs.

· Ask if the previous owner has installed low flow toilets or water saving showerheads in the bathrooms. 

· Study the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which will be included in the Home Information Pack.  This provides an A-G rating on the energy efficiency of the property and should give you an idea of how much energy the house uses.

· Don’t be afraid to ask the present owner how much their heating bills are on average as this will give you a good idea of what to expect.   

· Your local authority can advise if you are eligible to receive grants to install energy saving equipment.

 

Thinking green is definitely the way forward for the planet and it may just save you a pound or two on the way!