One in three (32%) of homeowners in Wales are planning to make energy efficient home improvements over the next 12 months, according to new research from MyGlazing.com*.
In light of the energy crisis, which people nationwide are facing, almost three quarters (73%) of homeowners in the region want to make their home more energy efficient, with three in five (63%) saying they know these updates will help reduce energy bills.
The nationwide survey found that UK homeowners are currently set to spend £16 billion on making energy efficient home improvements to their property in 2022**.
The research reveals that, on average, homeowners in the UK are planning to spend £2,792 on energy efficient home improvements and renovations over the next 12 months. One in six (16%) plan to spend more than £5,000 and those in the baby boomer’s generation (aged 55 – 73) are set to spend the most, with the average spend among the age group being £3,401.
Of those planning to make green home improvements in Wales, whether that be within the next year or longer term, upgrading windows and doors to be double or triple glazed is set to the most popular eco home improvement.
The 10 energy efficient home improvements Welsh homeowners plan to make in the future:
- Upgrading doors to be double/triple glazed (27%)
- Upgrading windows to be double/triple glazed (27%)
- Replace the boiler with a new energy efficient alternative (25%)
- Replacing all lightbulbs with energy efficient alternatives (23%)
- Draught proofing (22%)
- Installing cavity wall insulation (17%)
- Install a heat pump (17%)
- Install solar panels (17%)
- Install a biomass boiler (15%)
- Lining the loft with insulation (12%)
“It goes without saying that, as a nation, we’re facing considerable challenges when it comes to the cost of living. However, it’s promising to see that so many homeowners are planning to make energy efficient home improvements in the near future.
“Even though the initial cost of some green improvements can be costly, the long-term benefit makes them a real investment. For example, up to 24% of heat energy can escape from old, draughty glazing so upgrading windows to be double or even triple glazed can really help to improve a property’s energy efficiency,” comments Tom Butler from MyGlazing.com
However, making green home improvements don’t just have a positive impact on energy bills, they can also result in a property increasing in value and buyer appeal.
In fact, the new research from the consumer advice website reveals homeowners would pay 15% more for a property which has an EPC rating of C or above. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that one in five (23%) homeowners in Wales are making energy efficient home improvements to increase the value of their property.
“Ultimately, the importance of homes being energy efficient is only going to increase in the future, and our research shows buyers are willing to pay a considerable amount more for a property which has a lower carbon footprint. From reducing energy bills to increasing buyer appeal, green home improvements are an investment which homeowners shouldn’t overlook. Even if you’re not planning to sell your property in the near future, energy efficient home improvements will ultimately help you save money on your energy bills.” concludes Tom.