Ways To Save Energy In The Home

ways to save energy in the homeHere’s some tips and tricks on ways to save energy in the home.

Your home is one of the largest users of energy in the country. Households in Ireland account for over one quarter of all energy use in the country. Every time we cook a meal or switch on a light we use energy. Although most of us probably could not survive without energy, we do waste huge amounts energy unnecessarily. There are many ways in which we can be more energy efficient in the home. Below are some examples of the ways that energy is wasted in the home and we’ll show you ways to save energy in the home. You will also reduce your electricity bill and save money.

  • Appliances left on unnecessary (computers & TV’s left on overnight in standby mode)
  • Inefficient heating systems
  • Lack of insulation (especially in the attic)
  • Old single glazed windows & doors
  • Energy inefficient appliances (E/F rated washing machines, dishwashers, dryers)

Reduce Energy Around The House

energy efficient light bulbs

Energy efficient CFL light bulbs

  • Heat your water by using gas or oil, its much cheaper than using the immersion.
  • Make sure the thermostat on your hot water cylinder is not set above 60* Celsius.
  • Reduce your heating thermostat by 1* Celsius, your home will feel just as warm at 20* as at 21*.
  • Fit TRV valves to all your radiators and set them all correctly for each room.
  • Turn off lights when you leave a room, switch off unnecessary lights.
  • Replace old light bulbs with newer CFL bulbs which reduce energy and last longer.
  • Reduce heat loss in a room by closing the curtains in the evening.
  • Unplug devices when not in use, don’t leave computers/TV’s/games consoles on standby overnight.

Reduce Energy In The Kitchen

eu energy labelThe Kitchen is probably the area of the home that comsums the most energy! There are lots of little things you can do here to save energy and also reduce you electricity bill & save money. Simply by checking that your refrigerator and freezer are set correctly and even by the way you cook, can make a huge difference.

Energy Labeling

Energy labeling on all home appliances is now compulsory in the EU. When you go to purchase a new appliance you will now be able to compare the efficiency between different models of appliance.

Where possible try to buy A or A+ appliances. Although they may be more expensive to buy, they will be far cheaper to run and will save you far more money throughout the lifetime of the appliance.

A++ & A+ rated appliances use up to 10 times less electricity and are higher quality appliances. Energy efficient appliances saves a lot of energy and are built to a higher quality. Over their lifetime will save you a lot of money.

In the EU energy labels are labeled from A to G. A++ is the most efficient, then B, C, D, E, F, with G being the least efficient appliance. A++ and A+ would be the ideal appliances to look for.

More Ways To Save Energy In The Homereduce energy

  • Use gas ovens and hobs instead of electric.
  • Use your toaster instead of the grill.
  • Never overfill the kettle, only fill the amount of water you need.
  • Use the oven for more than one item at a time.
  • Use the lids on pans.
  • Don’t leave the fridge or freezer door open.
  • Keep the fridge & freezer full and do not put anything hot inside as it takes more energy to cool.
  • Make sure your fridge & freezer are set to the correct temperature. Make sure air can circulate at the back.
  • Avoid using clothes dryers where possible, use a clothes horse inside or an outside clothesline.
  • Use the washing machine only when there’s a full load.
  • Only use the dishwasher when full.
  • Replace old light bulbs with new CFL energy saving bulbs, they will last longer too.

pdf green schools downloads Download the Energy Action Plan

For more information visit the Green Home page.

Sponsored by BizSpace.ie