Home Energy Efficiency is now a top topic for discussion. There are many ways of making your home more energy efficient. MyHome.ie provides some tips and advice on improving your home energy efficiency. It makes good economic and environmental sense to make your home as energy efficient as possible.
There are some simple things you can change in your home right away to improve your energy efficiency. Others measures may require some modification. Here are some key tips on how to reduce your utility bills (electricity, gas etc.) and create a cosier, more efficient home.
Lighting:
Traditional lightbulbs use a lot more electricity and require more frequent changing than modern bulbs. Energy saving lightbulbs or Compact Fluorescent Lights (CLF's) use electronics that allow them to create highly efficient lighting which uses a fraction of the energy required by traditional light bulbs. CLF's use 80% less electricity and last 8 times longer than traditional bulbs. Like traditional bulbs, CLF's are available in a choice of wattages, because they use less energy than traditional bulbs, their wattages; are correspondingly lower. They are also available in the usual bayonet and screw fixings so they should fit easily into any socket in your home. The bulbs themselves are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes so you should find one that works well with your shade or fitting.
Appliances:
If you are using an old washing machine or tumble dryer they could be costing you more money than you think. Modern appliances use technology which makes them much more energy efficient. New washers and driers use less water and electricity. If you are thinking of changing an appliance make sure you look for an energy efficient one, it will save you money in the long run.
Water Usage:
By using less hot water you are saving money and energy. Instead of taking baths consider taking showers. If you have a modern washing machine use cool washes where appropriate and choose an economy programme for other washing. You should also consider using a timer switch on your immersion heater. Make sure you cover your hot water tank with a lagging jacket. Lagging conserves energy and is a very cheap way of saving energy and money.
Home Insulation:
- Draughts
Draughts can enter your home from a number of sources. Gaps around doors, flooring and windows could account for up to 20% loss of the heat in your home. There are a range of draught-proofing materials which are available from your local DIY/Hardware store. Fitting excluders to doors is one of the simplest ways to reduce heat loss. Other materials include sealants, strips, foams, plastics and rubber. Be sure to read all packaging carefully and remember to ask for advice in your local store. - Windows & DoorsIf you have single glazed windows or bad window frames you are sure to be losing energy and money. Up to a quarter of heat loss can be attributed to poor windows and frames. Double-glazing dramatically reduces energy loss by trapping air between the two panes of glass. If you are replacing windows consider installing double-glazing. Another simple way of retaining heat in your home is to pull all the curtains at nighttime. Lined curtains reduce the loss of heat through windows. You can purchase special interlining which is attached between the curtain and the lining and acts as an extra barrier.
- Attic InsulationInsulate your attic. One third of heat can be lost in a home through the roof. Insulating your attic will pay for itself in energy saving over a short period of time.
Switch appliances off when not in use!
Remember to switch off lights and appliances when they are not in use. Many of us are guilty of leaving both appliances and heating running where there is no need for them. Change your thermostat according to the seasons. Modern heating systems incorporate thermostats which switch themselves off when the room is warm, enough and timers that switch the heating on and off as per your settings. Unplug all appliances, phone chargers etc when not in use.
