Save money by buying new
With energy bills on the rise again , hard pressed homeowners might want to consider the benefits of buying new after research by Miller Homes revealed that households could save up to £250 each year on their energy bills.
As energy prices soar to a predicted four times the rate of inflation households across the nation will certainly be feeling the pinch this winter. However, research conducted by leading house builder Miller Homes has found that a new home can substantially reduce energy bills by up to £250.
This figure rises considerably when directly comparing a newly built four bedroom Miller house with one built in the Victorian era and one built in the 1960s. Interestingly, the research found that energy savings amounted to over £2,000 on the 1900s home and just under £2,000 compared to the 1960s property. The results calculated using NHER Plan assessor 5.4.2 also took into consideration build materials of the time, and typical energy usages including lighting, cooking and heating.
“With energy prices on the increase again we all know how difficult it can make the winter months,” said Steve McElroy sales director for Miller Homes North East. “We are pleased to hear the Government is looking into measures to simplify the multitude of complex tariffs and help households understand their energy bills and usage. However I would also urge home owners in older style properties to ensure their home is as efficient as it could be by replacing any drafty windows, installing loft and cavity wall insulation and even making sure radiators have thermostatic valves on them. But for those in the market to move the efficiency figures of new homes speak for themselves.”
At Greenvale Park in Newcastle, Miller Homes’ flagship eco-friendly development, every home benefits from additional specifications including solar panels and insulated wall and roof spaces to reduce energy waste, rotary clothes driers, efficient boilers, low energy lighting, water butts in the garden and a shed for bike storage.
The housebuilder, who constructs all its homes in the region to a level which offers greater efficiencies and economies from an energy perspective, is launching a new initiative to inform prospective buyers how its homes could save them money.
“All our development show homes will soon be equipped with details and labels of how and where we have built and installed energy and water efficiency into each and every one of our properties,” commented Steve. “In addition to this, all our homes already benefit from ‘Smart Meter’ technology which gives home owners more control over their energy usage.”
Smart meters work by detailing energy usage directly to your energy provider and also providing information regarding your home’s CO2 emissions. The displays in the home provide real time feedback on energy usage and cost so home owners can clearly understand how much they are using. They can even opt for an audible warning when their energy consumption exceeds their chosen amount, helping them to manage their energy spend more effectively.
“We understand the importance of keeping energy bills to a minimum and work in a variety of ways to ensure our properties help home owners manage their energy consumption,” said Steve. “Furthermore, we remain committed to moving forward with the advancements in technology and currently ensure high quality loft and cavity wall insulation, windows, plus energy efficient appliances are installed into each of our homes.”
To help further with the rising cost of living this winter, Miller Homes is giving people the opportunity to win £2500 towards the cost of Christmas 2012. All people have to do to be in with a chance of winning this free prize draw is simply visit any Miller Homes development across the region including Greenvale Park in Newcastle, Alexandra Chase in Cramlington, Miller @ Wyedale in Walker, Park View and Bishops Park in Gateshead and Beaumont Court in Pegswood.
At Greenvale Park three-bedroom homes are available priced from £154,500, including the three-bedroom Hawthorne, with detached single garage.
For more information and to see what energy efficient benefits a new home already has incorporated, or to enter the Christmas free prize draw, visit any Miller Homes development across the region. The majority of which are open Thursday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5.30pm or Mondays from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Or alternatively visit millerhomes.co.uk.
