Solar Heating - Buyers to take more notice of home''s eco-rating

11/01/2008

The energy efficiency and environmental performance of a house will influence homebuyers more and more in years to come, it has been claimed.

John Slaughter of the Home Builders Federation said that while location and the presence of local amenities will remain important factors to consider, will remain homeowners principal consideration, the green credentials of a home will rise in importance.

This will mean that energy-efficient fittings such as air source heat pumps and more efficient boilers , such as those from Trianco and Vokera, will add value to homes.

Mr Slaughter said: "I think [a home's energy rating] will become a bigger concern, a bigger interest over time.

"But [it's] not going to change overnight massively. It will take time for that sort of awareness and interest to really build up in terms of what consumers are effectively demanding from a home when they purchase it."

According to a survey from the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Home Information Packs (Hips), average four bedroom homes are getting an 'E' energy rating on the A-G scale.

This is said to potentially rise to a 'C' if consumers undertake measures recommended in the certificates, such as loft and cavity wall insulation and fitting an energy-efficient boiler.