Millions of households could be spending more on their energy bills than they have to, reveal figures on homes' energy performance.
Eight out of ten homes energy efficiency is average or worse, according to figures compiled by Halifax Estate Agents.
Research carried out on Energy Performance Certificates (EPC), which assess a home's energy efficiency and must be provided to prospective buyers or tenants, revealed that the vast majority of homes sold or rented are wasting energy.
EPCs rate homes from A to G and the figures show no homes achieved the top rating, with just one per cent receiving a 'B' grade and 19 per cent attaining a 'C'.
The remaining 80 per cent of homes received D grades (44 per cent) or lower, with two per cent getting the lowest possible mark.
Martin Ellis, chief economist at Halifax Estate Agents, said: "More sellers are likely to make improvements to their homes over time, leading to improved EPC ratings in the future, as they become increasingly aware of the benefits of making their property more efficient. For example, better loft and cavity
insulation would raise the energy efficiency rating of a home."
In order to improve the energy efficiency of a home, cut its energy bills and make it more attractive for sale or rent, we recommend measures such as installing double glazing,
insulation and an energy efficient boiler.
