Learn more about home energy audits and how they can help you improve your energy efficiency and save money on your bills.
Of the many expenses that come with owning a home, energy costs are the ones that are often higher than they need to be.
New build homes are designed with energy saving in mind. For example, Taylor Wimpey homes have energy-efficient boilers and appliances, well insulated walls, triple glazed windows, zoned heating and energy-saving lighting all included in the build.
Older properties on the other hand, often require work - and money - to make them more energy-efficient but it can be difficult to know what improvements to make to help reduce your energy bills.
That’s where an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) could help.
Energy Performance Certificates
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) were introduced in 2007. They show the energy usage and typical energy costs of a property and give it an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). All new builds, including every Taylor Wimpey home, come with an EPC when they’re sold so you know exactly how energy efficient your home is when you move in.
As well as telling you your home’s current rating, an EPC will also suggest how this could be improved. It will outline some recommended changes along with the costs you can expect to pay and how much each change could save you in the long term.
New build homes are increasingly more energy-efficient than older properties. In fact, 86% of new build homes have an A or B EPC rating, with less than 5% of existing older properties achieving the same standard.
A higher EPC rating results in lower household bills, which is an important aspect to consider when buying a new home. The average new build house heating, hot water and lighting costs 50% than an older house, which is an annual saving of £979.*
In 2018, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) made it a legal requirement for all privately owned properties to have at least an ‘E’ rating before being sold or let. EPCs are valid for 10 years and if you are selling or renting your property, you must provide the buyer or tenant with the property’s EPC.
Even if you’re not selling your home, taking a look at its EPC can help you to assess its current energy efficiency rating and consider any improvements you could make to help reduce your bills. You can check if your home has a valid EPC here.
When you’ve found an accredited assessor, they will visit your home to carry out a home energy audit. They will consider many factors to determine the energy efficiency rating of your home, including the type of heating and lighting installed as well as the way in which your home was constructed.
After the assessment, you will receive an EPC for your home with recommended measures to improve your home’s energy efficiency. If you do decide to make any changes, it is worth considering getting an updated EPC to show your home’s updated rating, particularly if you are trying to sell.
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*Figures sourced from HBF "Watt a Save" report update, January 2025
