Close the fridge, don’t dawdle in the shower… and other ways to save energy
A year ago, nobody knew a kilowatt hour from a kilo of flour. Now, our financial survival this winter depends upon not only knowing what they are but also slashing our usage of them. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is in charge of helping us do just that. It recently launched its Home Energy Plan with loads of tips to help us reduce our bills. SEAI head of communications TOM HALPIN tells us all about it.
So what’s this new plan?
SEAI has launched the Home Energy Plan to provide you with practical advice to reduce your energy use, which will help save money and limit our reliance on imported fossil fuels. When you sign up you will receive a weekly email with practical advice and resources on how to reduce energy use.
What are the top tips?
Heating is the biggest energy user in your home and is an area where you can see big savings quickly. Heating costs, including heating your rooms and your water, on average account for over 50% of your energy bill.
● Reduce your heating bill by 10% by lowering the thermostat by just one degree – 19C is ideal, although older or ill people may need higher temperatures. Hallways and bedrooms should be 15C-18C.
● Use timers to only have your heat on at set times.
● Use the control on your immersion heater or boiler to heat your water only when required.
Transport
The next biggest energy user is our car – almost 40% of a household’s energy use. Walk, cycle, or use public transport whenever possible.
● Adopt an energy-conscious driving style without harsh acceleration and braking to save up to 10% on your fuel costs.
● Above 80kph the majority of your fuel is being used to counteract wind resistance. Driving at 65-80kph, where safe and practicable, will significantly reduce fuel costs.
● Service your car regularly so it runs safely, reliably, and efficiently. Also check your tyre condition and pressure.
Electricity
Electricity use makes up almost 15% of our energy consumption. Some of the biggest energy-using appliances include the shower, cooker and tumble dryer. A good rule of thumb is: if it makes things hot, it uses a lot of electricity.
● Turn things off when they are not in use.
● Have shorter showers.
● When possible, dry clothes on the line or a clothes horse instead of in the tumble dryer.
● Use the eco-setting on appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines.
● Use the oven sparingly. Use a microwave, air fryer or slow cooker if possible.
● Only boil as much water as you need in the kettle.
● Don’t leave the fridge door open for too long.
● Avoid using appliances at peak times between 5-7pm.
● If buying, choose energy-efficient appliances.
What supports are there?
● €600 Electricity Credit for all households.
● Up to €10,000 per company, per month.
● €700-€8,000 grants for attic and cavity wall insulation.
● 37,000 home-energy upgrades.
● €64 estimated savings through VAT reduction on energy bills.
● €89 estimated savings from the PSO levy reduction.
● Next year will see the introduction of Government-backed low-interest finance to make home energy upgrades more affordable.
Does my home need an upgrade?
If your home was built pre-2006 then it probably needs multiple upgrades to increase comfort and reduce bills.
Renewable technologies
Given the rising energy costs, it is worth investing in measures to reduce your energy consumption and make your home more comfortable. Heat pumps, solar PV systems and solar thermal systems could provide significant savings per year on your domestic bills and help the environment – but do your homework first. For instance, heat pumps work best in well-insulated homes, so make sure your home is suitably insulated and relatively airtight before installation.