• Bookstore

This new information, six weeks after the launch of EPCs and HIPs, shows that average four bedroom homes and above could save hundreds of pounds off heating, lighting, and water bills.

Most homes are receiving an 'E' rating in their EPCs on the A-G scale, but could this could potentially rise to a 'C' if consumers undertake measures recommended in the certificates, such as loft and cavity wall insulation.

EPCs and HIPs have just been extended to three bedroom homes, so more buyers will get the same information to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel bills.

The early findings come from a snapshot survey of energy assessors and EPCs provided since the launch of HIPs, which show average 4 bedroom homes are being rated 'E' and could typically save £180 on heating, £60 on lighting and £30 on hot water bills, a year.

The top 5 recommendations given by assessors for improving energy efficiency have been: cavity wall insulation, changing to low energy lighting, putting thermostatic valves on radiators, loft insulation, and double glazing.

Iain Wright, Communities Minister, said:
"Families buying four bedroom homes are getting clear information which shows how they can save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills and cut carbon emissions too. It is important that this should be available for people buying three bedroom homes as well."

Responding to the survey, Paul Broadhead of the Home Information Packs Providers Association, said:
"Today's Government report is testament to the energy efficiency improvements that could be made to the UK's housing stock, as a result of the EPC included in HIPs.

"Energy efficiency ratings within the EPC range from A (the most energy efficient home) to G (the least energy efficient home). The fact that the average four bedroom home is currently recording an E rating demonstrates how energy inefficient our current housing stock actually is.

"The EPC will prove invaluable in raising consumer awareness of the energy efficiency of our homes ? highlighting the benefits of making a number of relatively low cost improvements, which could have a huge impact on reducing a property's carbon emissions and fuel bills."

Typical 'green grants' of £100 to £300 for energy saving improvements like loft insulation are available to many home owners from energy suppliers as part of their legal obligations introduced by government to improve energy efficiency. Consumers can now access details of green grants and offers by tapping in their postcode on the Energy Saving Trust's website.

Energy suppliers are also providing direct information about grants to home buyers when they sign up to an energy contract.