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Half of homeowners ‘go green’ to save money

Lucinda Beeman
Written By:
Lucinda Beeman
Posted:
Updated:
05/12/2014

Half of homeowners save energy in the home for financial reasons, with just one in ten acting mainly out of concern for the environment.

Nine in ten homeowners are concerned with saving energy in the home, a third higher than this time last year, according to a survey by M&S Bank.

Almost all homeowners surveyed – 98 per cent – said they regularly carry out a range of simple energy saving measures to help them save money.

The most common measures taken to save energy include turning off lights when not in the room, switching off heating when out, using energy efficient light bulbs and recycling metal, glass and plastic. While fewer upgraded to energy efficient boilers or installed solar panels, 19 per cent of homeowners said they would seriously considering doing so.

Nearly a third of homeowners always buy major electrical appliances, which can make up 20 per cent of the average energy bill, with an ‘A’ rating or above. Some 63 per cent switch off their major appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

Neil Rogers, head of general insurance at M&S Bank, said: “Homeowners can not only make substantial financial savings, but also help the environment by going green. It’s great to see that so many people recognise the benefits.”