Saving energy to reduce household bills is a priority of many people in the UK. And now, the Energy Saving Trust has found that 60% of UK homes are interested in installing renewable energy resources.
In a survey of over 2,000 people, conducted as part of a series of public opinion trackers called the UK Pulse, 44% said they lived in a home with draught problems. And of these, 24% said they planned to install “energy efficiency upgrades” in the next year.
According to those surveyed, home renewables such as solar panels were named as the “ideal” energy efficiency improvement they could make to their homes. In fact, many people placed this renewable energy resource ahead of other more mainstream measures, such as improving loft and wall insulation.
By investing in home renewables and changing their energy usage habits, the EST estimates that UK households could save a combined £5 billion a year. It’s even thought that if south facing detached and semi-detached homes installed solar panels, they could save over £3 billion a year.
“ The research shows that living in cold, draughty and damp homes is a big motivator for people to take action and that renewable technology is the thing that most excites”, says Energy Saving Trust’s energy efficiency expert, David Weatherall. “If UK households are considering making energy saving improvements to their home then now is the time to take action in preparation for the winter months and colder temperatures.”
The survey also found that 60% of people asked would install a renewable energy system if it saved them between £750 and £1500 a year. And with 59% of people more likely to buy or rent a home which had renewable resources installed, it seems that saving money through being more eco-friendly is becoming ever more popular.
If you have considered installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems in your home, now is great time to do so, as the cost of solar panels has fallen in line with their rising popularity.
Heat pumps too are a great way not just of saving, but actually making money, thanks to financial rewards offered by the government-run Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether your motivation is to save the planet and lead a greener lifestyle or to lessen the strain on your wallet, there’s never been a better time to invest in renewable energy resources.
Author: Lucy Wright
The post Homeowners Turn to Renewable Energy Resources appeared first on BestHeating.com.