With the winter months kicking in, we’ve been inundated with news on increased energy prices, expectations on efficiency, and elimination of gas boilers. Here, we break down some of the changes coming into effect for your home.

Wood Burning Stoves

Earlier this year, Government restrictions on wood burning stoves were revealed, aiming to fight and reduce the UK’s air pollution. With the continuing popularity of these stoves, commonly seen in country-style homes, there’s cause for unease. Research shows that burning wood and coal accounts for a huge proportion of air pollution (nearly 40% of particulate matter), urging the Government to plan a vast reduction over the next decade by introducing the Clean Air Strategy.

The sale of high populating stoves will be banned from next year, although most retailers have already ceased. Those of you who already own one can continue to use it, but you must burn the right type of fuel: wood with a 20% or less moisture content – ideally your own, or purchased from a trustworthy supplier.

If you’re thinking of buying a stove, ensure that the product has the SIA approved logo, and that it’s installed by a qualified installer.

Gas Boilers

From 2035, the Government aims to eradicate the installation of gas boilers in the UK, with up to 25 million homes affected. Heating buildings accounts for over 20% of the UK’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, so there’s great pressure to deliver effective reductions.

Homeowners will be encouraged to switch over to a heat pump, or other low-carbon technology, but only if/when their existing boiler requires replacement. An air-course heat pump will set you back between £6,000 and £18,000, however, £450million is being allocated to subsidies to make them a comparable price to a new gas boiler.

Energy Efficiency

Despite the Government’s concern with, and media focus on the country’s energy targets, it seems that buyers are much less worried. Just 13% of 2,000 buyers surveyed by the Energy Efficiency Infrastructure Group said that the energy efficiency of their property was something that they seriously considered when they bought it.

Highlighting the lack of importance put on household energy efficiency, just one in six homeowners plan to improve efficiency in their home in the next five years, even with rocketing bills, supply chain troubles, and climate change. With the current restriction on letting a property with a rating of E or lower set to tighten, this figure may rise whilst pressures on efficiency become all the more real.

Adam Barker, Director, gives his views on the energy improvements:

“The difficulty around energy performance in properties is that there’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Properties are different ages, different construction methods, with different fuel supplies, and even different orientations when taking into consideration solar panels for example. Unfortunately, there have been many missteps with the original release of solar panel schemes, one being that it created unmortgageable properties due to effectively making long-term tenants out of solar panel suppliers by renting loft spaces.
The rules around minimum energy efficiency standards, and the exemptions, are also difficult for landlords and tenants to navigate, potentially leading to character properties falling by the wayside, something that English Heritage have voiced their concerns around.
Overall, we’re massive supporters of renewable energy and lessening carbon footprints, with an electric car being our main fleet car to minimise our impact on the environment. We recognise that the constant changes, and confusing grants, have made it somewhat of a minefield for owner-occupiers and landlords, so we’re partnering with a local advisor and supplier to be able to get clear and concise recommendations directly to our clients.”

For more information about any changes to energy regulations for your home, contact us on 01525 40 22 66 or email ampthill@orchards.co.uk.