Double Glazing is the Most Popular Energy Saving Measure

According to new research by Legal & General Surveying Services, double glazing is the most popular energy-saving measure carried out by homeowners. Housing Industry Leaders looks at how much sustainability is becoming a priority for homeowners.

A total of 86 per cent of surveyors saw double glazing as the most popular energy-saving measure carried out by homeowners.

While upgrading windows was slightly more popular than installing a roof installation, mentioned by four in five (80 per cent), both were well ahead of the third most popular energy-efficient measure, wall insulation, which was mentioned by almost one-third (31 per cent) of surveyors.

In addition, the research revealed several energy-saving measures that are less commonly seen but may still provide notable savings for consumers over the long term. These measures include solar panels (19 per cent), air source heat pumps (17 per cent), and smart meters (15 per cent).

How Is The Research Helping Inform Consumers?

Trudy Woolf, Sustainability Director, Legal & General Surveying Services, explained that it is clear to see that people are becoming more aware of energy efficiency and want to implement changes in their homes.

She said: “Having polled our team of surveyors, these findings highlight that buyers and owners are becoming increasingly conscious of the energy efficiency of their homes.

“It’s great to see that many homeowners are already thinking about installing energy efficient measures which are cost-effective – this is something we expect will continue to rise in prominence as consumers develop a greater understanding of energy efficiency.”

Trudy continued to express that Legal & General Surveying Services’ research will help educate consumers about energy efficiency: “While it’s always important that prospective homeowners secure a professional survey to make an informed decision on their purchase, a survey can also provide insight for consumers into the energy efficiency of a home and any green home improvements which have been carried out already or would be easy to install.”

People Are Searching For Eco-friendly Homes

Further research from Legal & General has found that buyers are already placing a notable price premium on energy-efficient, sustainable housing. The study suggests that there has been a 34 per cent uptick in searches for eco-friendly homes, and buyers are now willing to pay a 10.5 per cent price premium for a low-carbon property.

Legal & General’s Equity Economy Report also found an increased interest in using equity from the property to improve energy efficiency, with 13 per cent of the surveyed homeowners using the money to pay for green measures to improve energy use.