Saving energy is not just about whole house retrofit projects, there are many simple ways to save energy in the home.
Heating
- Turn your thermostat down; Turning your heating thermostat down by just 1°C can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills.
- You can turn down the radiator valves in rooms you don’t use much or consider fitting thermostatic radiator valves, (TRVs) which you can set to respond to room temperature
- Consider fitting smart controls that will adapt your heating schedule to meet your routine. Many energy supplies offer smart control offers for their customers and SEAI offer grants, (links to grants page).
- Consider fitting separate heating zones for heating and hot water, so you can programme your radiators and hot water to be heated independently.
- If you use an electric immersion you could fit a timber to control when this comes on.
- A shower typically uses 20% of the energy compared to a full bath.
- Don’t leave the hot tap running - you are pouring energy and money down the drain.
Appliances
- Try to use your dishwasher and washing machine on a lower temperature setting, most of the energy they use is to heat the water.
- Don't boil full kettles for one cup of tea, but do make sure you have enough water to cover the element.
- Switch off all your devices appliances at the plug when you are not using them, at night and when you are not home.
- Replace failed light bulbs with energy efficient options, in particular LED lights, (add link to Lighting blog post). Select the lowest wattage bulb needed to light the room/area and consider the size of the space and how much natural light the space gets.
- Remember to turn off the lights when you are leaving a room or where you do not need them.
- Outdoor lights can be fitted with sensors and timers to reduce operating times.
Drafts
- Close doors between rooms that are heated and unheated to keep the heat in.
- Check windows, loft hatches, keyholes and doors for draughts of cold air and draft proof them. Unused fireplace? A chimney balloon will keep the draughts out and the heat in.
- Close curtains to keep heat in, but open them in the morning to let the heat of the sun in.
Electricity monitors
- These devices tell you how much energy you are using in real time. If you switch on the shower or the kettle, you can see the numbers jump. Monitors are great for getting a handle on where you use the most energy. You can make decisions on your energy use based on real data.
