As a journalist with a penchant for diving into the intricacies of everyday matters that affect our lives, I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Emily Harris, a seasoned energy assessor. Emily’s expertise lies in guiding homeowners through the often confusing world of energy efficiency and property assessments. Our conversation aimed to shed light on how homeowners can make informed decisions to enhance their home’s energy performance, significantly influencing their Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) points.
Find out how Focus360 Energy helps with energy statements for planning.
Emily welcomed me into her cosy yet professional office, where the walls were adorned with certificates and framed articles she had contributed to various industry publications. Her warm smile and approachable demeanour made it easy to dive into the topic at hand.
“To help homeowners make the right decisions,” Emily began, “there are three essential sources of advice that can guide them effectively. Understanding these can make a substantial difference in how energy-efficient a property is, which in turn, impacts its SAP points.”
1. Professional Energy Assessors
Emily emphasised the importance of consulting professional energy assessors. “Homeowners often underestimate how much a qualified energy assessor can help,” she said. “We come in, conduct a thorough evaluation of the property, and provide a detailed report that outlines areas for improvement. This assessment is crucial because it gives homeowners a clear picture of where their property stands in terms of energy efficiency.”
According to Emily, energy assessors can identify issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. “For example, we look at insulation, heating systems, and even the type of windows. All these factors contribute to the overall SAP points a property has. By addressing the issues we identify, homeowners can significantly improve their property’s energy performance.”
Emily shared a story about a recent client, a young couple who had just purchased their first home. “They were overwhelmed with all the information available online and didn’t know where to start. After my assessment, we identified that their loft insulation was insufficient, and their boiler was outdated. By upgrading these, they not only improved their SAP score but also saw a noticeable reduction in their energy bills.”
2. Government Resources and Schemes
Emily also pointed out the wealth of information and support available through government resources and schemes. “The government offers various programmes aimed at improving energy efficiency in homes. These include grants and financial incentives that can help offset the cost of upgrades.”
She recommended homeowners visit official government websites to stay updated on available schemes. “It’s surprising how many people are unaware of these resources. For instance, the Green Homes Grant scheme was a fantastic opportunity for homeowners to get financial assistance for making energy-efficient improvements.”
Emily explained that these schemes often cover a wide range of improvements, from installing double glazing and upgrading heating systems to adding renewable energy sources like solar panels. “Taking advantage of these resources can lead to a significant boost in SAP points, making the property more attractive to potential buyers and reducing its environmental impact.”
3. Online Tools and Calculators
Lastly, Emily highlighted the usefulness of online tools and calculators designed to help homeowners gauge their property’s energy efficiency. “There are several reputable tools available that allow homeowners to input various details about their property and receive an estimate of its SAP score.”
While these tools are not a substitute for a professional assessment, Emily noted that they could provide a good starting point. “They help homeowners understand the potential impact of different improvements. For example, adding cavity wall insulation might seem like a significant investment, but when you see the potential increase in SAP points and the long-term savings on energy bills, it becomes an easier decision to make.”
Emily mentioned that these tools often offer personalised recommendations based on the information provided. “It’s a great way for homeowners to get an initial idea of where they stand and what steps they can take to improve.”
Conclusion
As our conversation drew to a close, Emily reiterated the importance of taking a proactive approach to improving a home’s energy efficiency. “By consulting with professional energy assessors, leveraging government resources, and using online tools, homeowners can make informed decisions that enhance their property’s SAP points. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about contributing to a more sustainable future.”
Her passion for the subject was evident, and I left the interview feeling more informed and inspired to share this valuable information with homeowners everywhere. If you’re looking to improve your property’s energy efficiency, consider these three sources of advice. They could make all the difference in your journey toward a more energy-efficient home.
John Williams
Be the first to comment