Two out of five homes rate 'average' for energy efficiency

Using the Energy Performance Certificate's energy efficiency rating bands, two out of five homes in England and Wales (44%) rate 'average' for energy efficiency falling into band D, according research by the Halifax.

Whilst only a tiny proportion (1%) of homes achieve the highest ranking of band A or B, higher energy ratings mean lower energy bills, which is an important consideration in the winter months.

Flats have the highest energy efficiency amongst different property types with almost half of flats (49%) classified as band B or C. For all other property types, the largest proportions of properties achieve a Band D rating; 47% of bungalows, houses (45%), maisonettes (41%) are in this band.

South Gloucestershire has, on average, the most energy efficient homes of all the 85 local authorities (LAs) surveyed in England and Wales. Nonetheless, its average energy efficiency score of 64.6 still falls in band D. It is followed by Swindon (64.2), Portsmouth (63.8) and Easington (63.6), with the average home in all also falling into band D.

If homeowners made energy savings measures to their properties, as many as 58% of homes in England and Wales could potentially achieve a band C rating. The same measures could see homeowners in South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Portsmouth and Easington potentially improve their average rating score by 7%, enough to push the average home in each area up from band D to band C.

Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax Estate Agents, commented: "The overwhelming majority of homes have an average energy efficiency rating, with hardly any in the top two most efficient bands.

"However, more sellers are likely to make improvements to their homes over time, leading to improved EPC ratings in the future, as they become increasingly aware of the benefits of making their property more efficient. For example, better loft and cavity insulation would raise the energy efficiency rating of a home."

Halifax Estate Agents can advise on and produce Energy Performance Certificates for house vendors. Energy Performance Certificates can also be provided for landlords.

From 1st October 2008 landlords have been required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate for any new tenancy. Certificates produced are valid for ten years. A landlord does not need to commission a new energy Performance Certificate each time a new tenancy starts, but is required to give a copy of the latest version to tenants.

The Landlords Energy Saving Allowance enables landlords to claim up to £1,500 per dwelling for certain energy efficiency improvements. This includes cavity wall and loft insulation, draught-proofing, hot water insulation and dry-lining.