NHBC Offers Tips for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Homeowners should consider performing several renovations to their property in order to make it more energy efficient.

This is according to the National House-Building Council (NHBC), which stated this is more relevant than ever against a backdrop of rising house prices.

It noted that modern homes have condensing boilers, which are "substantially more efficient" than older models.

Households without one should consider upgrading their current device, it argued.

Furthermore, homes lacking insulation will lose at least half of their central heating through the roof and walls. Therefore, properties ought to be fitted with this material, which should be 270mm thick.

The NHBC stated that loft insulation usually works properly for a minimum of 40 years.

By this time, the cost of its installation will have been recouped from reduced fuel bills "over and over again", it continued.

New homes generally already have these energy saving measures in place and will also often be fitted with double glazing and even solar panels, the organisation claimed.

This follows a recent statement by Louise Burfitt-Dons, campaign director for the Global Warming Alliance, who said that some older houses could realise lower fuel bills if holes in skirting boards or floorboards are covered. 

Self-builders working on rural properties may want to pay extra attention to energy efficiency, according to comments made by an expert.

Mike Malina, energy efficiency specialist, said people living in the countryside should look at the "basics" of energy efficiency because they are more likely to rely on oil-fired heating - and have therefore seen their heating bills climb "significantly". 

He said energy audits should be carried out in homes to see how power is being used. 

"You don't need to be an expert to do this. 

"Just walk around your house and see what's switched on and some things don't need to be switched on," he said. 

James Parkinson, green technology expert at Vaillant, added delaying switching on heating could save up to around £80 per month. 


Founder of the website Gordon Miller explained that simple steps should be taken at first, such as fitting draught excluders and making small lifestyle changes like avoiding wasting water and switching off standbys on electrical equipment.

After this, people should look into water condensing boilers and insulation for their homes, he stated.

Last week, the National Home Improvement Council said insulation was one of the top energy-saving products on the market.

He suggested that, for now, installing top-of-the-range energy saving devices should only be carried out by people with more money to spend.