Many homeowners, landlords included, encounter hurdles when it comes to enhancing the energy efficiency of their properties. The findings of a recent research study by the HomeOwners Alliance shed light on this common issue. Among the surveyed homeowners, a significant 36% revealed that the prohibitive cost of improvements acted as a major deterrent. This financial consideration often hampers their ability to undertake crucial energy-efficient upgrades on their properties.

Furthermore, the study points out that 19% of homeowners face another challenge in the form of the absence of grants and incentives. This lack of financial support serves as a roadblock for a substantial portion of property owners looking to make their homes more energy-efficient. The need for external financial aid or incentives becomes evident as homeowners weigh the upfront costs against the potential long-term energy savings.

Similarly, a parallel concern emerges, with another 19% expressing skepticism about the immediate costs translating into tangible energy savings in the future. This highlights a prevailing apprehension among homeowners, who may be hesitant to invest in energy-efficient improvements without clear assurance of the eventual payoff. Overcoming this skepticism might involve emphasizing the long-term benefits and potential energy savings, providing homeowners with a more compelling reason to initiate these energy-efficient changes.

Some homeowners point to issues like a lack of reliable tradespeople, a shortage of skilled professionals, and past insulation controversies as reasons for not pursuing energy-efficient upgrades.

Among homeowners and landlords, a significant 81% have indeed implemented energy efficiency measures in their homes, but these typically involve simpler and more budget-friendly options. The most common measures include opting for energy-efficient lighting and installing loft or roof insulation. On the less frequently chosen side, activities like installing heating controls, draught-proofing, putting up solar panels, or transitioning to a heat pump are mentioned.

Interestingly, younger homeowners in the 18 to 34 age group appear to be more inclined towards substantial improvements, such as opting for solar panels or adopting heat pumps. This demographic seems more open to exploring and investing in these more advanced energy-efficient solutions compared to their older counterparts.

Paula Higgins, CEO of the Homeowners Alliance, states, “Our survey highlights that homeowners find energy efficiency measures costly and lacking sufficient support. The majority of households not only face financial constraints in investing in energy efficiency but also express concerns about the return on their investment.

These concerns are valid. The installation cost for more eco-friendly air source heat pumps is approximately £14,000, a substantial amount. While the Prime Minister increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to £7,500 last year, allowing homeowners to replace their gas boilers with heat pumps for around £6,500, it still presents a significant financial commitment compared to the starting cost of a new gas boiler, which is as low as £2,000.”

“And they are right. More environmentally friendly air source heat pumps cost in the region of a staggering £14k to install. 

“Last year, the Prime Minister increased the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to £7,500 so homeowners could replace their gas boiler with a heat pump for around £6,500. But it’s still a huge financial outlay when you compare that to the cost of a new gas boiler from just £2,000.  

“If government is serious about meeting its 2050 net-zero target by banning the sale of new gas boilers by 2035, more long- term incentives such as tax breaks and government grants will be required as many are already struggling with higher mortgage costs and the wider cost of living crisis.

And Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, adds: “The HomeOwners Alliance’s research highlights the cost of energy efficiency improvements as a major barrier but so too is finding a reputable tradesperson. Given an additional 225,000 construction workers will be needed over the next four years the government should be thinking about who’s going to carry out the work and more importantly to what standard. 

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