For many Brits, Bank holidays are all about getting friends and family round to watch you burn sausages in your garden during a downpour. However, as new research from Mortgage Advice Bureau reveals, the traditional BBQ might be put on pause this Bank Holiday as growing numbers of homeowners may want to use this time to make some energy-efficient improvements.
MAB research revealed that homeowners are planning to install a smart meter (26%), LED lights (25%) and upgrade their boiler – whether by installing a new condensing boiler or similar (22%) - to make their homes more energy efficient and reduce emissions.
Achieving a Net Zero Britain by 2050 is the target set by the government in a bid to rein in the severity of the climate crisis, with the outgoing UK business climate expert, Nigel Topping, claiming that this could even be achievable by 2040 following bolder policy decisions from those in power.
Buildings count for nearly a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s not surprising that a third (33%) of homeowners say that contributing to the country’s net zero targets is important and the reason they would make improvements to their homes.
Mortgage Advice Bureau’s research found that homeowners will look to make the following changes ahead of the deadline:
1: Installing a smart meter - 26%
2: Installing LED lights - 25%
3: Upgrading the boiler (i.e. installing a new condensing boiler or similar) - 22%
4: Hoping they introduce more help for landlords to upgrade - 21%
5: Adding insulation to wall cavities, floor, or lofts - 20%
6: Installing heating controls - 20%
7: Installing double or triple-glazed windows 19%
8: Installing solar panels - 18%
9: Seeking guidance from independent energy efficiency expert/tradesperson - 16%
10: Installing underfloor heating - 15%
11: Hoping the policy will get delayed - 15%
Ben Thompson, Deputy CEO, Mortgage Advice Bureau, says: “The UK’s homes are some of the oldest and least efficient in Europe, and there are a variety of ways that people can improve their overall energy efficiency.
"More costly examples include retrofitting insulation and upgrading windows and doors, but there are cheaper ways – for example, using fabric draft excluders, thicker curtains, or water heater jackets (for those who have one).
“It’s clear that the UK is wanting to become more environmentally friendly, and there are benefits to those that do go green, with possible outcomes including reduced energy bills and a higher property value.”
Source:- https://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/bbqs-vs-boilers-an-energy-efficient-bank-holiday-weekend.html