21 April 2023

Why New Homes Are So Energy Efficient

New build homes like the ones we build here at Space Homes are generally more energy efficient than older homes, as we make sure they’re built to meet or even exceed the current building codes and standards for energy efficiency. In other words, new build homes like ours are better insulated and better ventilated that period properties sparing you from cold drafts, drops in temperature, and losing warm air through windows… all things that can soon drive up your energy bills!

In the UK, the current energy efficiency standards for homes are known as the Building Regulations Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power). These regulations set out minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of new build homes.

In short, the regulations require new build homes to be designed and built in a way that minimises their energy use and carbon dioxide emissions. This includes giving builders like us requirements for insulation, windows and heating and hot water systems, as well as requirements for the use of low-carbon technologies such as solar panels and heat pumps. Now this may sound like boring stuff, but it’s all these factors that help keep your new home warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as keeping your energy costs low.

The regulations also include provisions for testing and verifying the energy performance of new build homes, to ensure that they meet the required standards and to give buyers like you that all important peace of mind. So you know, before you buy, what the energy efficiency performance of your new home is going to be, and you can even use this information to estimate the potential running costs of that home, and make sure it meets your budgets.

Verification of a new build home’s energy efficiency and performance, typically comes in the form of an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), and we have these available for all our current new homes. This rating system gives the building a rating on a scale of A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Our new build homes all achieve an impressive energy performance rating of either A or B, so you can rest assured that buying a new home from us, will bring you all the benefits of a new, energy efficient home.
 

But what are those benefits of energy efficient homes?

Energy efficient homes deliver several key advantages including:
  • lower energy bills - in fact, according to the HBF’s latest energy efficiency report, new homes could save their owners on average, over £3,000 a year on their energy bills!
  • increased comfort - because new homes are better at maintaining a consistent temperature.
  • improved indoor air quality - because energy efficient homes are generally better sealed and have better ventilation.
  • increased durability - because these homes are built with high-quality materials and construction techniques.
  • environmental benefits - because energy efficient homes have a smaller carbon footprint and can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s also worth mentioning that investing in an energy efficient home now can increase it’s resale value later, as they are generally more attractive to potential buyers, a good thing to know if you’re planning on stepping up on the property ladder in the future.

If you’re looking for an energy efficient new home, why not explore our current developments or register your interest in our future developments so you can be one of the first to find out more about our upcoming availability?