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Energy inefficient homes exposed by cold period
If the recent cold period doesn't jolt homeowners into necessary energy efficiency measures, nothing will, according to experts, reports the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
RICS, which has a Royal Charter that obliges it to act in the public interest, says there are thousands of homes in Northern Ireland without sufficient measures in place to ensure energy efficiency, leaving them exposed to freezing conditions.
The organisation, whose members include energy assessors and building control officers, says that these homes will have experienced a significant increase in their energy bills as a result of the cold weather.
Simple measures, such as adequate loft insulation, can have a very positive impact.
RICS Northern Ireland Director, Ben Collins: "These would not only keep homes warmer, they would help cut carbon emissions and dramatically reduce energy bills. There has been a significant focus in recent years on ensuring that new build homes in Northern Ireland are energy efficient and this is welcome. However, a large chunk of the existing housing stock, much of which dates from the first half of the 20th century, remains highly energy inefficient.
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