As the UK battens down the hatches for another week of freezing weather with temperatures dipping below freezing, meteorologists are forecasting one of the coldest winters for over a decade. Figures analysed by SmartNewHomes.com reveal that new homes are over twice as energy efficient as average older homes in the UK, meaning a warmer winter and cheaper energy bills for new home owners.
New homes utilise the latest developments in building techniques and technology to improve their energy efficiency. Features which will contribute to a new home being more energy efficient than an older home include double glazing, improved wall, floor and roof insulation, modern boilers, solar heat gain, and better draught proofing. In addition and also contributing to lower energy bills, many new homes come fitted with energy efficient light bulbs and efficient kitchen and household appliances.
New homes now must meet a minimum rating of 100 on the SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) rating for energy efficiency, increased from the 1995 minimum of 80. The scale of ratings runs from 0 for the least energy efficient home to a maximum rating of 120 for the most energy efficient home and indicates the cost of providing energy heat, light and domestic hot water per m_ of floor space.
The average rating of a standard UK home is approximately 45 with older homes often further down the scale.
David Bexon, managing director of SmartNewHomes.com, commented: “Homeowners with a new property will really notice the difference this winter in the temperature and comfort of their home. Not only are new homes better insulated so they stay warmer but this in turn cuts down on the amount of energy being consumed thus reducing energy bills and limiting the negative effect on the environment.”
