Wintertime temperatures are setting in gradually, which means Irish homeowners are opting to switch the heating back on amid rising energy prices.
Experts at the Sustainable Energy Association of Ireland have compiled some vital tips for the public to follow in order to save on costs.
“By reducing the amount of energy used in the home, homeowners can permanently reduce the impact of rising energy costs on their household budget and reduce their impact on the climate, without compromising on comfort,” a spokesperson said.
The tips range from simple lifestyle adjustments to more impactful home energy upgrades that will increase the efficiency of your home into the future.
Heat it when you need it
You can reduce your heating bill by 10% by just lowering the thermostat by just one degree.
Turn the thermostat for your living areas down to 20°C, and the temperature in hallways and bedrooms to between 15-18°C.
Once you’ve adjusted the thermostat, use timers to control the heating in your home.
Set it to have your heating on at set times when you are at home and off when you are out.
Use the control on your immersion heater to heat only your water when required. By using heating controls, you can save up to 20% on your heating bill.
Some other ways to improve your heating and lower costs this winter include:
A BER Assessment
A Building Energy Rating or BER assessment is carried out by a SEAI registered assessor.
The report will tell you what home energy upgrades your home needs to meet the modern standard for comfort and energy efficiency.
It also sets out what supports are available to help fund the works, so you can decide which upgrades you want to go ahead with.
Insulation
A home loses up to 30% of its heat through the walls and 30% through a poorly insulated attic.
Investing in insulation will help to keep your valuable heat inside your home increasing your comfort and reducing your heating bills.
Adding Renewables
Adding renewable energy to your home will reduce your energy bills and support the move away from polluting fossil fuels.
The most popular renewable systems are heat pumps, solar water heating panels and solar photovoltaic panels.
“You should always ensure your home is well insulated before considering installing renewable systems.”
