The Energy-Saving Benefits of Buying a New Build House in 2023

In today’s environmentally conscious world, energy efficiency has become a crucial consideration for homeowners. The rising cost of energy bills and the urgency to reduce carbon emissions have led many prospective buyers to explore the benefits of purchasing a new build property.

In the United Kingdom, buying a new build house offers numerous advantages that can help homeowners save significantly on their energy bills while contributing to a greener future. Just how energy-efficient are new builds? Read on to find more.

5 energy-saving benefits of buying a new build house in the UK

1. High-Quality Insulation

One of the key advantages of new-build properties is their superior insulation. Modern construction techniques and regulations require new homes to be built with high-quality insulation materials, ensuring minimal heat loss through walls, floors, and roofs. 

Proper insulation helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year, reducing the reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems. By minimising heat loss, new builds can significantly lower energy consumption and subsequently reduce energy bills. 

2. Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

New builds often come equipped with energy-efficient heating systems, such as condensing boilers and smart thermostats. Condensing boilers extract more heat from the fuel they burn, resulting in higher efficiency and lower energy consumption. 

Smart thermostats allow homeowners to control their heating remotely and schedule it according to their needs, optimising energy usage and minimising waste. These advanced heating systems help reduce energy bills by ensuring that heat is distributed more efficiently and only when needed.

On average, new build purchases save £395 on heating bills, £28 on hot water bills, and £12 on lighting, according to data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF). Homeowners of older properties paid an average of £890 per year, almost twice as much as those of new homes, which charged £455.2!  In fact the, recent research by the Home Builders Federation found that new-build homeowners save around £2,600 a year in energy bills on average. 

3. Double or Triple-Glazed Windows

Older homes in the UK often have single-glazed windows, which are notorious for heat loss and draughts. In contrast, new builds typically feature double or triple-glazed windows as standard. 

These windows have multiple layers of glass with a layer of insulating gas in between, providing enhanced thermal insulation and noise reduction. By preventing heat from escaping and reducing cold air infiltration, double or triple-glazed windows help maintain a comfortable temperature indoors and reduce the need for excessive heating during colder months.

4. Energy-Efficient Lighting

Another energy-saving feature found in new build homes is energy-efficient lighting. Traditional incandescent bulbs have largely been replaced by energy-saving LED lights, which consume significantly less electricity and have a longer lifespan.  

Most importantly, this type of lighting not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers maintenance costs due to the infrequent need for bulb replacement.  When buying a new build, homeowners can expect to benefit from these energy-efficient lighting systems, resulting in reduced electricity bills and less frequent bulb replacements.

5. Solar Panels and Renewable Energy Integration

Many new build developments in the UK are incorporating renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, reducing the reliance on grid-supplied energy and subsequently lowering energy bills. 

Homeowners can take advantage of the Feed-in Tariff or the Smart Export Guarantee schemes, which allow them to earn money by selling excess electricity back to the grid. The integration of renewable energy technologies in new builds not only helps homeowners save money but also contributes to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.

Contributing to net-zero

In addition to the immediate energy-saving benefits for homeowners, buying a new build property in the UK aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. By using, on average, 100 kWh of energy per m2 of house space compared to 259 kWh per m2 for an older property, 2.2 tonnes of CO2 are saved every year.

As more individuals choose new builds, it not only helps reduce energy bills but also collectively contributes to the national effort of achieving a net-zero future, where carbon emissions are balanced by renewable energy sources and carbon offsetting initiatives.

Wrapping up

As prospective buyers consider their options, the energy-saving benefits of new builds make them an appealing choice for both financial and environmental reasons. By embracing energy-efficient technologies, homeowners can enjoy a comfortable living space while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. 

As a Muir Homes new build homeowner, you can be sure that we have done everything we can to craft an energy-efficient home. The very fabric of your new home is insulated and airtight, reducing its energy demands and reducing your energy bills. If you’re interested in learning more about our energy-efficient homes, simply ask your Sales Advisor.