As families across Thame are switching on their heating in force, they could enjoy savings of up to £556 a year in lower energy bills according to award-winning housebuilder, Bloor Homes.
Indeed, Bloor Homes is encouraging potential purchasers to consider the advantages of buying a new build home at its nearby Thame Meadows development, which the housebuilder says could save them up to 40% on their heating costs.
The savings were calculated by comparing the average energy usage of a second hand property to that of Bloor Homes’ high specification new build designs, with recent estimates from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) that to upgrade an older property to the same new build standards could cost up to £45,000*.
Vanessa Macnee, Sales Director for Bloor Homes comments: “All of our homes are designed using new build techniques and the latest technology, which helps our customers to slash their energy bills. You could save hundreds of pounds compared to living in an older property whilst also benefiting from a 60% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and lower levels of maintenance, which means greater peace of mind.”
Further figures from the HBF suggest that new homes built today are 65 per cent more energy efficient than a Victorian house of the same style, 50 per cent cheaper to run and use 30 per cent less water**.
All Bloor homes feature the latest energy efficient boilers for heating and hot water, excellent wall and loft insulation to reduce heat loss and double-glazed windows and doors. Constructed with the highest quality materials, the new properties also come complete with a 10 year warranty as standard.
And, to assist any homeowner save money on their energy bills over the winter months, Bloor Homes has released its top 10 tips for energy efficiency:
1. Make sure there are no draughts – seal off any windows and doors
2. If using your washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher ensure you have a full load
3. Try to air clothes rather than using the tumble dryer
4. Wash your clothes on 30-40 °C cycles
5. Turn your heating down by 1 degree – you won’t notice the difference but it can save you as much as £60 / year
6. Keep your heat on a low heat rather than switching it on and off for big blasts
7. Close curtains / blinds when it gets dark to keep heat in
8. Turn appliances off, don’t keep them on standby and unplug any items not in use
9. Switch to energy saving light bulbs
10. Only put as much water in the kettle as you need
Vanessa concludes: “Regardless of the size, style or age of your property there are lots of simple things you can do to reduce energy usage. The savings from each may seem small but when combined they really do add up and can help to significantly lower bills, freeing up money for more fun things like the fast approaching festive season.”
Currently available at Thame Meadows is a collection of three and five bedroom designs starting from £520,000 (or £416,000 with Help to Buy).
For more information on the homes and incentives available, please visit the Thame Meadows marketing suite on Oxford Road, Thame, OX9 2DA. Alternatively contact the sales advisor on 01455 819 743 or visit https://bloorhomes.com/developments/south-midlands/thame-meadows.
* Why Buy New factsheets, HBF, available at: http://www.hbf.co.uk/fileadmin/documents/members/FactSheets/HBF_Fact_sheets_web.pdf
** http://www.hbf.co.uk/?eID=dam_frontend_push&docID=25219&filename=Why_buy_new-_Home_buyer_intentions_and_opinions_-NHW16_FINAL.pdf
