Two in five Brits (39%) plan to get more home improvement work done in 2023 compared to last year – with May named as the most popular month to carry out these maintenance tasks.
The warmer weather, longer days, and multiple bank holidays mean nearly half of homeowners (45%) feel more inclined to carry out DIY tasks on their property during May than any other month.
This was followed by June and April – as 32% are keen to get their home up to scratch before the summer months arrive.
But the poll, of 2,000 adults on the property ladder, found that while they are more than happy to apply a fresh coat of paint, or spruce up the garden – improving the energy efficiency of their homes has taken a back seat.
Nearly two-thirds of those polled (62%) have not undertaken any work in the last year with energy efficiency or the environment in mind.
And over half (52%) claim that this is due to there simply being too much information out there about how to boost their property's energy rating – leaving them unsure which advice to follow.
Marc Robson, energy efficiency expert at British Gas, which commissioned the research, said: “It’s great to learn so many homeowners are planning on starting home improvement projects this month, but it’s important not to neglect those energy efficiency jobs.
“It’s just a matter of knowing where to look for the right information, so you can make informed decisions.
“We recognise that households want to be confident they’re investing in the right energy-saving changes, especially at a time when people are being cautious with their spending.
“That’s why we’re on a mission to guide residents through every aspect of energy efficiency, including offering a home health check to provide a personalised plan to help decarbonise the home.”
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, also found that of the 38% who have made energy efficient home improvements, smaller changes have proved more popular than bigger ones.
These included a switch to LED light bulbs (32%), draught-proofing doors and windows (24%), and installing a smart meter to track their usage (22%).
Slightly larger interventions, carried out by around a fifth of homeowners in the last year, include fitting new windows (20%), and having solar panels installed (18%).
Two-thirds (66%) of those who made energy-related changes have noticed a reduction to their usage – with 18% saying this has been “significant”.
And 85% of home improvers investing in energy efficiency agreed that it’s better to get these jobs taken care of in the summer months, so the home is ready in good time for the weather to turn cold again.
Overall, 39% think they will get more work done around the home in 2023 compared to last year.
Of these, 34% feel it’s now time to get things done after spending time planning – and 25% are ready to progress with their plans after squirrelling enough money away for the job.
Marc Robson added: “There are lots of things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, from small changes that cost nothing but save on your bills – to larger investments like installing a heat pump, that can change the way you live and even add value to your home.
“Our trusted engineers are already giving customers energy efficiency advice at every appointment, including how to access government support and grants to ensure that nobody is left behind.
“We want to do all we can to make greener home solutions accessible and affordable for every home in the UK.”
The research also revealed December is the month homeowners are least likely to carry out work, with 44% claiming money is typically too tight around this time of the year to consider it.
And nearly a third (32%) said their social calendar is so busy in the run up to Christmas, that there’s simply no time for home improvements.
FIVE MOST POPULAR MONTHS TO CARRY OUT WORK ON THE HOME...
- May
- June
- April
- July
- August
