Energy-efficient homes: your questions answered

Key takeaways

• Reducing energy loss. Energy-efficient homes are designed to reduce energy loss and support lower energy consumption
• Measuring energy performance. EPC ratings provide a standard way to compare the energy performance of homes
• Improving energy efficiency. Insulation, glazing, heating systems and ventilation can all help to improve energy efficiency
• Using smart technology. Technologies such as solar panels and smart controls can support energy performance

What is an energy-efficient home?

An energy-efficient home is designed to reduce energy loss and make effective use of the energy it consumes. While older properties can improve energy efficiency through features such as insulation, heating systems and window glazing, newer homes are often built to current energy-performance standards. According to the HBF Watt a Save report, average new-build homes use around 30% less energy than older existing homes.

This means homes that include features such as insulation, efficient glazing and modern heating systems may require less energy for heating, lighting and everyday household activities. However, energy use will vary depending on factors such as the property itself and how it is occupied.

Why are some homes more energy efficient than others?

A home's energy performance can depend on factors such as its age, construction, insulation levels, heating system and installed technologies. Features such as insulation, window glazing, heating systems and ventilation can all affect how efficiently a property uses energy. Homes built to current building regulations are required to meet energy-performance standards, which are designed to help reduce energy demand.

Features that can influence energy efficiency

As mentioned above, a range of features can influence a home's energy efficiency. These include heating controls and other smart technologies, as well as the following:

What is an EPC rating and why does it matter?

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a document that assesses a property's energy performance. It provides a rating from A to G and gives buyers a consistent way to compare homes. According to HBF research, many new-build homes achieve an EPC rating of A or B, which are the upper bands of the EPC scale.

While energy costs and consumption vary between households, an EPC can offer useful insights into a property’s energy-related features. For instance, a new build with an EPC rating of A or B costs around £1,574 a year to power, compared with £1,995 for a D-rated older home.

EPC rating bands explained

EPC ratings range from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. An A-rated property generally indicates a very strong energy performance compared with G-rated homes which are often associated with the need for improvement.

To find an EPC, use the GOV.UK website.

How can energy-efficient homes help reduce running costs?

Homes that lose less heat may require less energy for heating and other household activities than homes with lower levels of insulation or greater heat loss. Features such as insulation, double or triple glazing and efficient heating controls can help support energy performance. However, actual household energy costs will also depend on factors such as energy prices, weather conditions and individual usage habits.

Which technologies improve home energy efficiency?

Energy-efficient technology can support sustainable energy usage and help to improve performance. From smart heating controls to renewable energy systems, there are a few technologies you may want to use in your home:

• Solar panels can generate renewable electricity from sunlight
• Smart thermostats may help homeowners manage heating schedules more effectively
• LED lighting typically uses less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs
• Ventilation systems can support air circulation while helping manage heat loss
• Air Source Heat Pumps can provide heating using energy drawn from the outside air
• Smart meters and controls can help households monitor energy consumption

The effectiveness of energy-efficient technology depends on factors such as the property and how they are used.

Energy efficiency improvements to prioritise

If you're considering making improvements to your current home or a potential new property, there are a few you may want to prioritise. These can include:

Energy efficiency vs sustainability: what's the difference?

Energy efficiency focuses on reducing the amount of energy needed to operate a home. This may include improving insulation, reducing heat loss or using more efficient technologies. Sustainability on the other hand is broader and considers factors such as materials, resource use, biodiversity and long-term environmental impact. Energy efficiency can support sustainability goals, but the terms are not interchangeable.

How do energy-efficient homes support environmental goals?

Reducing energy consumption may help lower some of the carbon emissions associated with running a home. Measures such as insulation, efficient heating systems and renewable technologies can help reduce operational energy use and, depending on the energy source used, may contribute to lower associated emissions. While outcomes vary between properties and households, improving energy efficiency can support wider efforts to reduce energy demand. However, these measures do not assess a home's wider environmental impact across its full lifecycle.