Energy efficiency now underpins most purchasing decisions says Listers MD, Roy Frost.

Consumers’ concerns over the energy and cost of living crisis have led to a shift in buying patterns, say commentators, pointing to sales of smart thermostats up by a quarter at retailer John Lewis as an example, along with the growing popularity of onesies, thermals and slippers.

Sales of air fryers, slow cookers, microwaves and electric blankets are also soaring as households look for ways to reduce their power use.

Consumer champions regularly point out that the up-front cost of energy efficient products should be offset against any savings that can be made. So, if an air fryer used 34p of electricity an hour compared with 68p for an oven, it would take 588 hours of use for a £200 model to cover its cost.

“Reducing energy usage has really become a focus for many households across the UK, even if they can afford the energy price increases that have dominated the news agenda for months now,” Listers MD, Roy Frost, says. “And we are seeing something similar in the home improvement industry, as people specify energy efficient windows and doors despite the higher purchase price.”

According to the Business Pilot Barometer, leads and sales were up 19% in October on September. Analysis of the figures suggests that house prices remain high due to fewer houses on the market, which is giving homeowners the confidence to spend on improving their properties.

Rising energy prices appear to be forcing the hand of homeowners who were previously undecided as to when they should start their refurbishment projects, especially as the new chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, reduced the price guarantee period to six months rather than the three years promised by Liz Truss.

“We could see energy bills almost double in April 2023 if the government withdraws its funding,” Roy says. “This gives homeowners a real incentive to bring forward any window and door replacement plans if they can help keep the lid on rising energy costs.”

This view is supported by analysing Google Trends which shows a clear correlation between Ofgem announcements on energy costs and interest in new windows and home energy efficiency improvements more broadly.

“The development of energy efficient products has always been linked to the requirements laid down in the building regs,” Roy says. “And they are still going to play a part in the years to come.

“But with the rise in homeowner demand, window companies need to be in a position to make the most of the interest in energy efficiency, which requires partnering with a forward-thinking fabricator like Listers who can also meet the demands for flush sashes, coloured profile, and security.”

Listers’ product ranges contain some of the most energy efficient windows and doors on the market. Their Residence 9 range, for example, can achieve U-values as low as 1.23W/m2k with 28mm double glazing, and 0.84W/m2k with 44mm triple glazing.

On the aluminium side, Sheerline’s Prestige windows achieve U-values as low as 0.9W/m2k with triple glazing, giving homeowners the confidence to improve their properties with the latest modern designs, while improving their thermal efficiency.

“Again, aluminium products are not typically chosen in a distress purchase scenario,” Roy says. “So, sales of high margin products are driving the market right now, underpinned by improved thermal performance.

“And this is supported by a strong colour offering, which is compatible across all ranges and materials, and in the same timeframe – the most popular colours at Listers are available from stock, whether that’s aluminium or PVC-U. This is important if you are buying your aluminium and PVC-U products from a single source.”

The importance of energy efficiency in the window buying process dropped during the last decade, but this is set to change according to Roy.

“Today, with the tightening of the Building Regulations, the cost-of-living crisis, and the move to premium products, the ability to offer energy efficient products at every price point is vital to differentiate yourself from the competition and make the most of opportunities,” he concludes.