Energy Prices Driving Warmer Home Demand

47% of tradespeople believe householders will be anxious to save energy as we head into winter and 91% have had enquiries. How can fabricators push the case for window upgrades?

76% of tradespeople believe homeowners are more concerned about energy prices than they were last year.

Yet another energy cap rise continues to put pressure on family finances. Consumers are increasingly turning to a trusted source of practical help. And that’s where the UK's tradespeople come in – supported by a knowledgeable supply chain.

Winter month demand

A Screwfix survey highlights the concern among households about the financial impact of energy prices. That concern is translating into an expectation of further demand for energy-saving improvements. That’s why nearly half of tradespeople predict demand for energy-efficient products will be higher during the winter months ahead than in the previous year, with only 3% thinking it will be lower.

Despite the clear and growing appetite for energy-saving improvements, the research also identifies several barriers preventing households from acting.

Worried homeowners

More than four in ten (42%) tradespeople identified upfront cost as the biggest barrier to customers adopting energy-saving measures. Other factors holding consumers back include uncertainty over the level of savings that could be achieved (13%) and a perceived lack of government support and incentives (12%). Can fabricators counter the saving argument; and can they encourage installers to offer finance options?

Be knowledgeable

For tradespeople, this creates an important opportunity to support customers not only by carrying out the work itself but also by helping them understand the options and any financial support available, identify practical improvements and make informed decisions about the changes that could work for their homes. Fabricators need to be part of this conversation rather than letting the insulation sector win the race.

Max Britten, the managing director at Screwfix, told Fabrication & Glazing Eye’s sister publication, Installation Eye: “Once again, the day-to-day experiences of the UK's tradespeople provide a valuable insight into how households are thinking about the energy-efficiency challenge and the steps they are taking to address it. They are at the forefront of helping homeowners understand the changes they can make to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use.

“At Screwfix, our job is to make that process as straightforward as possible, which is why we're bringing together a range of energy-saving solutions and making them easier to find on our App, online and in store.

“We're committed to helping tradespeople get every job done quickly, affordably and right first time. That support matters more than ever as they help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce energy costs."

Fabricators and window trade counter operators could take a lesson from Screwfix…making it as easy for installers to provide information and commit to getting window and door replacements done in time for Christmas.

Picture With thanks to Nationwide Windows: A pre-Christmas window upgrade could be in demand.