A STUDY by property inspection and operations software provider Property Inspect has revealed that homes in Ceredigion are some of the worst for energy efficiency in the country.
By analysing EPC certificates over the past 10 years, the study discovered that only 17.57% of homes in the area are rated a C or above.
While homes rated D and E are in the habitable range, improving from one rating to the next can save an average of £250 a year.
Properties rated F and G are unsuitable to be rented and are the worst optimised for energy savings.
As a whole, Wales has the least energy efficient homes, with only 27.12% of homes holding an A-C rating.
| Local Authority Name | Total Properties | % of properties holding A-C rating |
| Gwynedd | 45708 | 16.63% |
| Ceredigion | 32162 | 17.57% |
| Isle of Anglesey | 32274 | 19.55% |
| Carmarthenshire | 69032 | 19.57% |
| Conwy | 51348 | 19.57% |
| Blaenau Gwent | 25070 | 19.93% |
| Denbighshire | 40834 | 20.58% |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 87144 | 20.97% |
| Powys | 51914 | 21.16% |
| Pembrokeshire | 49044 | 23.16% |
Advice on cutting your energy bills from boiler expert Rebecca Davies, manager of RD Heat:
Make sure your radiators are clear
If air isn’t able to freely flow through your radiators, they won’t be able to produce maximum heat. Make sure your furniture isn’t blocking your radiator and there aren’t other items restricting the airflow.
Monitor or update your thermostat
As thermostats age, there can be a significant delay in heating, or your house being heated at a much higher temperature than required. Updating your thermostat provides far greater accuracy in the communication between your thermostat and boiler, which prevents energy being wasted and saving you money.
Bleed your radiators regularly
It’s best to bleed your radiators twice a year to ensure that they are letting out as much heat as possible. Bleed your downstairs radiator first, focusing on the radiator that is furthest away from the boiler; and work your way through your home getting closer to the boiler. Then go upstairs and repeat this process.
Close all doors and windows and keep out draughts
Leaving your doors open is the easiest way for heat to escape from your home, so make sure to close all doors and windows. Carpets and rugs can be a good way to help keep draughts out of the rooms in your home. Another way to keep out draughts is hanging up lined curtains and blinds, and placing draught proof strips to your windows to fill the gap between the window and the frame.
Consider insulating your loft
Although insulating your loft is an investment, if it’s an option you can consider this can result in households being able to save up to £160 per year on heating bills. 25% of heat is lost through the roof of a property, but this can be easily reduced by installing 25cm of insulation throughout the loft.”
