Heating oil users may be 'highly satisfied' with efficient homes

16 February 2012

Posted by John King

Energy efficient homes that can help cut the amount of heating oil used may be increasingly in demand as people's experience with eco-friendly properties grows.

A study by the National House Building Council (NHBC) revealed occupiers of newly-built dwellings that are designed to be as efficient as possible are highly satisfied with their abodes "in terms of living space, comfortable internal temperatures and lower energy bills".

It also revealed buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a property that can offer them lower fuel costs in the long term, which may encourage more developers to consider this aspect when designing dwellings.

Director of the NHBC Foundation Neil Jefferson stated the study revealed "very positive attitudes" towards low-carbon homes, which he said offers several good signs for the construction sector.

He added: "The strongest of these being that many of the occupiers, having experienced the benefits of a highly energy efficient new home, would never want to move into an older home again."

However, it was also found by the NHBC that many people relocating to low-carbon properties are typically being offered inadequate or inconsistent information about how they can make the most of their abode.

This means many individuals may not be using the full energy-saving potential of their homes, the NHBC said.

Therefore, the organisation called on developers to adopt user-friendly vocabulary and provide clearer information about the lower energy bills that can be seen in these buildings.

It added the government should also make the Energy Performance Certificate mandatory during the purchase or rental of a house so people are able to receive accurate fuel usage costs.

Earlier this week, it was also stated by SmartNewHomes that over four-fifths of buyers now make energy efficiency measures a priority when looking for a new dwelling, with 77 per cent of these saying the potential for saving money on bills is their main motivation.

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