Most Home Hunters Favour Buying New To Keep Energy Bills Down – Says Report

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When it comes to moving or buying a first home, many people are faced with the dilemma of old versus new.

A serious debate facing most homeowners is ‘which one will give the best value for money – a new, or second-hand property’ – and that includes energy efficiency and keeping utility bills down.

Statistics show that new homes are up to six times more energy efficient than typical older homes (according to the New Homes Marketing Board).

Being well insulated and double-glazed makes them automatically cheaper to run than older homes.

It is little wonder then, that the majority of people looking to move (85 per cent) feel that new build is the most energy efficient type of property – according to a new report by energy provider E-on.

The recent survey of 2,000 adults looked at attitudes to home buying, revealing that just over three quarters (76 per cent) of first time buyers placed energy efficiency as ‘very important’ as opposed to 65 per cent of existing home owners.

The report backs up the ethos of developer Linden Homes North – whose properties are built with a range of energy saving features, including water metres, energy saving light fittings, window double glazing, insulation and in some cases energy rated fitted appliances.

So – you’ve moved into your brand new home and are already saving money on your utility bills. But what can you as a homeowner do to be even more energy savvy and save money? *

• Turning the room thermostat down by just one degree can save around £30 a year.
• Use energy efficient light bulbs that use less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard bulbs. Most new Linden Homes properties will use 75 per cent energy efficient light fittings as standard.
• Figures show a fully draught proof home could save around £55 a year. Don’t forget to keep doors closed in rooms you are using to keep the heat in.
• Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby.
• Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals.
• Boilers account for around 55 per cent of what is spent on energy bills in a year. Your new home will have a shiny new super energy efficient one.
• If you have a standard shower it will use around 40 per cent of the water required for a bath.