Energy efficiency failings could be costly, Brits warned

29 August 2008

Britons looking to sell their homes may lose out on hundreds of pounds - and maybe even more - of they fail to make it energy efficient, experts have advised.

From the start of October, all sellers will be required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for their properties, with efficiency levels graded by experts at between A and G.

While the new legislation has been welcomed as an ideal means of encouraging Brits to cut back on their energy consumption and therefore their carbon footprints, those sellers failing to make any necessary improvements may lose out financially.

Jon McGowan, an energy doctor from the Energy Saving Trust, explained: "A poor Energy Performance Certificate could lead to haggling on the price of a home.

"If a house is under insulated or it's got an old boiler these are things that are going to cost you money when you're paying your bills and our research reflects this."

Though such improvements may prove cost-effective, they could be offset by damages to possessions if homeowners don't make use of safe storage when carrying out any work.

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