Ten hacks to save energy …whatever the weather
From glazing to radiator foil, here’s how to winter-proof your home (all by yourself!)
Storm Agnes gave us a stark reminder this week of the costly energy bills looming as winter nears. But you don’t need to splash out tens of thousands on a massive energy-saving upgrade to your home to save money in advance of this.
And we have come up with a way for Irish Mail on Sunday readers to save even more! Despite recent cuts in energy costs of up to 30%, we are still paying nearly twice as much as last year.
‘So energy saving is just as important as ever,’ says Colm Griffin, founder of Purchase.ie which specialises in cost-saving gizmos, many of which cost less than €25.
With energy costs double what they were in 2022, these gadgets can now save you twice as much money as they did last year. The Purchase.ie prices quoted below include the discount for MOS readers only until end of October (see top right panel on how to qualify). Now, here’s how to cut your energy bills this winter without breaking the bank:
1. DIY double glazing
One of Purchase.ie’s ‘most popular where the only single-glazed window in the house was annoyingly located, making winter showers somewhat chilly! It was easy, even fun, to install. You stretch the cellophane-like film over the window frame. At first it’s a bit slack, but then comes the magic bit – blow it with a hair drier and it instantly shrinks and tightens. It worked a treat and now the bathroom is as warm as the rest of the house. From €8.95* for 4.5sq.m at Purchase.ie
2. Chimney sheep/ balloon
If you have an out-of-use fireplace, a lot of your costly heating energy is literally going up the chimney.
A chimney balloon could be the answer (though never use them in working fireplaces – Duh!)
You put it in flat, then blow it up once installed in the chimney. But balloons do have a tendency to deflate. Some prefer a chimney sheep, which is a woolen thingy you shove up the unused chimney, though you’d have to get the measurements exactly right.
Another option is just stuff an old cushion or pillow up there… but remember to take it down if you are lighting a fire! A colourful string hanging down in the fireplace would be handy reminder that it’s there! From €24.25* at Purchase.ie for a chimney balloon.
3. Smart energy monitor
A wifi smart plug allows you to set times and power devices remotely through an app on your phone.
‘Not only that but it also now has an energy-monitor function, which helps you to control your energy consumption and be more energy efficient,’ says Mr Griffin, referring to the ENER-J brand smart plug sold on Purchase.ie It can also be voice controlled as it works with both Amazon Alex and Google Home. Electrical stores like Power City and Currys.ie sell similar products, though the cheaper ones may not have the same features. Purchase.ie €26.95*; Currys €12.99€35 (features vary with price).
4. Plug electricity monitor
If you want to check how much you are using individual appliances, a plug electricity monitor will help.
Screwfix.ie sells one of these for €23. ‘Simply plug into a powered mains socket and then plug any 13A rated appliance in [to it]. Discover which appliances use most energy, helping you lower power bills and reduce emissions,’ it says. Screwfix.ie from €23; Purchase.ie €29.95* (features may vary).
5. Tumble dryer balls
Millions of people in Ireland tumble-dry their clothes, making it one of the biggest strains on your electricity bill.
The best way to help save with that is to use the clothes line as often as you can – maybe watch out for weather forecasts before putting on a wash.
Failing that, there’s a very cheap and easy way to reduce your bills – and ironing headaches – the tumble dryer ball.
Mr Griffin explains: ‘When you add dryer balls into your clothes dryer, the balls will get in between the towels and clothing so the drying air can come more effectively between the laundry.
‘Besides this, the balls are moved gently between the laundry, so there will be less wrinkles in the fabric which reduces the ironing time.
‘Wool Dryer Balls can reduce drying and ironing time and can help you to save energy and time.’ Homestore & More €4.99 (two pack); Purchase.ie six pack €13.45*
6. Radiator key
Now is the time to bleed your rads – an easy chore to optimise radiator performance. But for many rads, you’ll need a key. It doesn’t cost much and should be available from big hardware stores or just go online. Purchase.ie €3.55*
7. Draught excluder
‘The best tips I could give is to insulate well and not just the attic. Insulate against window draughts, door draughts and even the letterbox,’ says Mr Griffin
Purchase.ie €6.95*
8. Radiator foil
Sticking radiator foil on the wall at the back of your radiators is a cheap and handy way to cut your energy bills. They are most impactful when used on external walls in uninsulated solid-walled properties. The good news is that with energy bills doubling since last year, these can save you around €24 a year on your energy bills, paying for the purchase cost three times over in year one alone.
Starting from €8.95* per roll at Purchase.ie
9. Thermal curtains
Draft-excluder thermal curtains can help keep your rooms toasty. They may not be the most elegant designs but they will help keep out cold air – handy if you have single-glazed windows.
You could make them yourself or even add a second layer of curtains. Or just remember to open your curtains during the day to maximise sunlight and close them as soon as the sun goes down, tucking them in behind rads or furniture to boost insulation.
Cost depends on size needed (see Hillarys.ie) but using an old pair of curtains or closing/opening them is free!
10. Hot water tank jacket
Not having a hot water cylinder jacket is like going out in the rainy height of Storm Agnes this week without a coat. In other words: sheer madness! A hot water jacket costs from around €22 yet can reduce your hot water heating bill substantially. Woodies €21.99
Prices from Purchase.ie include 10% discount for Irish Mail On Sunday readers, available for a limited period with use of voucher code (see above).