If the recent cold period doesn’t jolt homeowners into necessary energy efficiency measures, nothing will, according to experts.

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 said: “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.

There is much that can be done to ‘retrofit’ existing properties with energy efficiency measures. Loft insulation and wall insulation are highly cost effective, particularly in light of the fact that the price of home heating oil has been increasing. Double-glazing also makes a significant contribution to energy efficiency.

Some people feel that energy efficiency measures are expensive. They aren’t, relative to the cost of energy. There is also grant aid available to support energy efficiency measures.”