AEIAEIWith the cost of living continuing to rise, it is more important than ever to make sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Not only can improving your home energy efficiency save you money in the long run, but it also helps to reduce the number of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.
In this article, we explore some simple yet effective solutions to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, it means you could be losing out on hundreds of euros every year. The cost of living is high enough as it is, and with inflation forecast to remain at 7.1% in 2023, families and workers need to save every cent they can.
One of the best ways to do this is by taking steps to improve your home energy efficiency. Even something as simple as properly insulating your attic and walls could save you €600 a year on your heating bills.
The SEAI recommends aiming for a BER rating of B2, which may seem like a distant goal for many older houses. However, there are lots of things you can do to increase your home energy efficiency, from adding more insulation to upgrading your heating system.
Here are some top tips for making your home more energy efficient.
First, assess your current energy usage to determine how efficient your systems are. Once you have identified the core issues with your home’s energy efficiency, you can then create an action plan for making the necessary improvements.
It is a good idea to prioritise your upgrades so that each step builds on the last — SEAI recommends upgrading your insulation first, followed by your heating system, and finally installing solar panels.
To help you create an action plan, the SEAI has several tools and resources available.
If upgrading your insulation or heating systems is not within your budget right now, there are still lots of simple measures you can take that can make a big difference.
Actions such as switching off lights when leaving a room or unplugging electronics when not in use can significantly reduce energy consumption and save money on your utility bills. Replacing traditional light bulbs with LED lighting is also an easy way to reduce electricity usage without sacrificing any comfort or convenience in the home.
Other quick, easy measures you can take include:
Poor ventilation is another factor which contributes towards poor home energy efficiency levels, so homeowners need to ensure that vents are regularly cleaned out and filters changed regularly.
Radon prevention should also be part of any plan for improving home energy efficiency. This is especially true if your house has had radon problems in the past or if high levels are present near underground water sources.
Make sure you keep every receipt, invoice, and certification relating to your home improvements — this will ensure that you receive the most accurate BER for your home after the upgrades.
Installing a solar PV system is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to improving home energy efficiency. Solar panels provide you with free electricity to power your home appliances and heat your water, saving you anywhere between 20% and 50% on your bill every month! Installing solar panels also increases the value of your home if you ever decide to sell in the future.
Here at Alternative Energy Ireland, we offer a range of sustainable energy solutions to help you combat rising energy costs for many years to come, including Solar PV Panels, Heat Systems, and Ventilation Systems. These are cost-effective solutions that provide clean, sustainable electricity without contributing to climate change — plus there are grants available to help you with the initial cost.
The output of our PV panels is guaranteed for at least 25 years, meaning you can enjoy lower home energy bills for a long time to come. In fact, solar panels pay for themselves over time by saving you between €200 and €800 on your domestic electricity bill every year!
To find out how you can reduce your home energy bills, get in touch with our dedicated team today.
Also, be sure to check out our other blog posts to learn how to reduce your impact on the environment while saving money at the same time!