Whether you’re buying a property or upgrading the one you already own, going green doesn’t have to mean doing everything at once. From insulation and solar panels to heating upgrades, there are different ways to make your home more energy efficient. But where should you start? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the costs, considerations, and quick wins.
What makes a home ‘green’?
A green home is designed or improved to use less energy, reduce waste and have a lower environmental impact. It might have good insulation, efficient heating, double glazing, solar panels – or perhaps all four.
One of the easiest ways to check how energy efficient a property is, it to look at its Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). If you’re looking to buy an eco-friendly property, checking its EPC can give you an idea of how much work might be needed to make the property more energy efficient.
You can check whether your property has an existing certificate using the GOV.UK EPC register.
What features make a home more energy efficient?
There are lots of ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency.
Things like:
Insulating your loft, walls and floors to help keep heat inside.
Installing double glazing or draught-proofing windows and doors.
Using efficient heating systems and smart controls.
Adding solar panels to generate electricity.
Replacing an older heating system with a new heat pump.
Don’t worry though, you don’t need all of these features to have a more energy-efficient home. Think of them as options, and the right improvements will depend on your property, budget and current energy use. But really, even small changes can make a difference.
How much do energy-efficient upgrades cost?
The cost of making your home more energy efficient can vary quite a bit. Small jobs might be relatively cheap, while bigger projects can run into thousands of pounds.
The Energy Saving Trust has done some research on the average cost of energy saving home improvements and offered some provisional costs. Obviously, these are averages, and the true cost for you will vary. The following figures are an average for a semi-detached property.
Home Improvement | Estimated Average Cost |
Loft insulation | £900 |
Floor insulation | £1,700 |
Cavity wall insulation | £2,700 |
Solar panels | £6,100 |
Double glazing | £12,000 |
Air source heat pump | £12,000 - £14,000 |
Solid wall insulation | £12,000 - £18,000 |
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Heat pumps
Heat pumps use heat from the air or ground to warm your home. They offer a more carbon-efficient heating alternative to traditional gas boilers.
Installation costs can be substantial and you might need extra work to make you’re your property is suitable for a heat pump. They’re one of the most expensive upgrades you can make to your property, often costing between £12,000 and £14,000.
However, the UK Government is currently offering homeowners in England and Wales £7,500 off the installation of a heat pump through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
Solar panels
Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, helping you use less electricity from the grid. Installation costs depend on the size of the system, your roof and any extra work needed. If you add a battery to store this energy, for example, the cost can exceed the average estimated above.
Remember though, after the initial installation cost, you'll be generating clean, renewable energy and saving money on your electricity bills.
Insulation and glazing
Insulation can be a good place to start if your home loses heat quickly. It’s a simple process that involves adding extra insulating material to your roof and loft walls and is generally cheaper than larger projects, like solid wall insulation.
Cavity wall insulation is installed in the spaces between the inner and outer walls of your property. It keeps the valuable heat inside your home, retaining the warmth for longer and reducing the costs spent on energy bills.
Cavity wall insulation typically costs around £2,700 to install and can last for up to 42 years.
Low-cost improvements
Not every improvement needs a big budget. Draught-proofing and using your heating more efficiently can help you make a start without committing to a major renovation. You can also adjust heating controls by setting on/off times and temperature-based triggers that turn off your heating once a room reaches a certain temperature.
How much could you save?
While the costs for home improvements might seem eye-watering at first, there are plenty of cost-saving measures you can use to reduce the amount you pay.
Government schemes can help cover some of the upfront costs, making it easier to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
For example, the Warm Home: Local Grant might help eligible households cover the costs of things like, insulation and solar panels.
Or if you’re thinking about installing a heat pump but are left feeling cold by the steep cost, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offers grants of up to £7,500 off the price of a heat pump.
If you’re in a property that would cost too much to retrofit to the point of being energy efficient, speak to a mortgage adviser about getting a green mortgage.
Some green mortgage products offer lower interest rates (with some even offering 0% interest for the first few years of the loan) to incentivise borrowers to make green upgrades to their home.
Can I afford a green home?
It all depends on your circumstances and any improvements you want to make.
When you take into account all the money saved through making your home more energy efficient, green homes can potentially be affordable, especially if you make use of a green mortgage product or a government initiative.
Can a green mortgage make a green home more affordable?
A green mortgage might be relevant if you’re buying an energy-efficient property or looking to fund improvements to your existing home. It won’t automatically make a property more affordable though.
It’s important to look at the full costs, including mortgage payments, energy bills, upfront expenses and any improvements you want to make.
Buying a green home vs upgrading your current home
If you’re deciding between buying an energy-efficient property and improving the one you already own, it’s worth comparing both options:
Buying an energy-efficient home: Buying an energy-efficient home could mean less work to do after you move in. However, you’ll still need to factor in the purchase price, deposit, mortgage repayments and other moving costs.
You’ll also need to think about the costs of ongoing upkeep to help maintain the property’s energy efficiency and EPC rating.
Upgrading your current home: You might have paid less to buy your home, but you could face higher upfront costs for repairs and energy-saving improvements.
It’s a good idea to prioritise upgrades based on your budget and which are likely to make the biggest difference to your home’s energy efficiency.
Can you afford a green home?
Now we’ve seen how an energy-efficient home could help you save on energy bills, the next step is to weigh up the upfront costs against the potential long-term savings.
Whether a green home is affordable will depend on your budget and circumstances.
If you’re upgrading your home, start by checking your home’s EPC rating, spotting which improvements could make the biggest difference and getting realistic quotes. Explore grants, savings and borrowing options to see how the costs could fit your budget, too.
If you’re buying a more energy-efficient property, remember to factor in the purchase price as well as the extra costs involved.
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FAQs
It depends on your home and the work needed. Smaller improvements, like loft insulation, might cost under £1,000, while larger projects like solid wall insulation can cost well over £10,000.
Start by checking your EPC recommendations. Simple steps such as draught-proofing and improving heating controls may help, but the best option depends on your property.
Yes, some government schemes, local authorities and energy suppliers offer support for eligible improvements. Help and eligibility rules vary though, so check what’s currently available before arranging work.
You might be able to borrow extra money through a further advance or another mortgage option, depending on your lender and financial circumstances. Remember to think about the extra repayments and overall borrowing cost.
Not always. Prices depend on the property, location and wider market, although energy efficiency might appeal to some buyers. Compare individual properties rather than assuming a higher EPC rating always means a higher price.
It can be a good option for some homes, but installation costs, running costs and suitability all matter. Get advice from a qualified installer and check whether you could receive a grant before deciding.