Saving Energy

Energy is vital in our daily lives but most of us don't use energy as efficiently as we could. Here are some practical tips on how you can be more energy efficient in your home.

Energy use in the home accounts for almost one third of the total energy used in Ireland.

General

• Eliminate draughts from around windows and doors
• Replace single glazing with double or triple glazing
• Close your curtains to help keep heat in rooms
• Increase the amount of insulation in floors and walls

Attic

• Install attic insulation
• Seal the attic hatch

Bathroom

• Fit spray taps to stop wasting water
• Take a shower rather than a bath
• Don't leave hot water running

Hot Water Storage

• If the hot water cylinder has no insulation, fit a lagging jacket
• Fit a thermostat to the hot water cylinder

Bedrooms

• Provide space heating controls
• Use energy efficiency bulbs

Kitchen and Utility Rooms

• Buy electrical goods which are highly efficient
• Use low temperature washing machine cycles
• Keep fridges and freezers away from cookers, ovens and direct sunlight
• Defrost freezers regularly
• Avoid putting hot or warm food directly in the fridge

Living Room and Dining Room

• Unplug or turn off electrical equipment when not in use
• Modern solid fuels stoves are more efficient than open fires

Boiler and Controls

• Provide timelocks and thermostats to control the boiler
• Ensure the boiler is professionally serviced at least once a year
• Consider replacement of old boilers with a "condensing" boiler