Two in five homes rate 'average' for energy efficiency

Friday, 23 January 2009 10:26 AM

Halifax Estate Agents have released their first survey of the energy labeling of domestic buildings.

Using the Energy Performance Certificate's (EPC) energy efficiency rating bands, two out of five homes in England and Wales (44 per cent) rate 'average' for energy efficiency falling into band D, whilst only a tiny proportion (1 per cent) of homes achieve the highest ranking of band A or B.

Higher energy ratings mean lower energy bills, which is an important consideration in the winter months, especially given the recent cold weather.

Since December 2007 all house sellers are required by law to provide potential buyers with a Home Information Pack (HIP). HIPs are required to contain an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) which grades the energy efficiency of a house. Since October 1st 2008, landlords have also been required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate to tenants. Halifax Estate Agents can advise on and produce EPCs for house vendors and landlords.

The survey found that flats have the highest energy efficiency amongst different property types with almost half of flats (49 per cent) classified as band B or C. For all other property types, the largest proportions of properties achieve a Band D rating; with 47 per cent of bungalows, 45 per cent of houses and 41 per cent of maisonettes all in this band.

South Gloucestershire has, on average, the most energy efficient homes of all the 85 local authorities surveyed in England and Wales. Nonetheless, its average energy efficiency score of 64.6 still falls into band D.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax Estate Agents, said: "The overwhelming majority of homes have an average energy efficiency rating, with hardly any in the top two most efficient bands.

"However, more sellers are likely to make improvements to their homes over time, leading to improved EPC ratings in the future, as they become increasingly aware of the benefits of making their property more efficient. For example, better loft and cavity insulation would raise the energy efficiency rating of a home."

If homeowners made energy savings measures to their properties, as many as 58 per cent of homes in England and Wales could potentially achieve a band C rating according to the Halifax survey.

The EPC assessment is based on a grading system 'A' to 'G', with 'A' being the best and 'G' being the worst. Data collected during the assessment includes:

Property age and type
Construction of walls and roof to the main property and any extensions, including details of any insulation
Floor areas
Lengths of heat loss perimeter walls and any sheltering elements (e.g. garages and conservatories)
Areas and age of glazing
Room heights
The main source of heating and hot water, its controls and any associated equipment (e.g. hot water cylinder), and the fuel used
Any secondary heaters that are present, and the fuel used.

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