Advice

Set your cylinder thermostat to 60°C/140°F and your water will be hot enough for bathing and washing. This can save up to €15 per year.

Light bulbs
If you use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent – which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Each energy efficient bulb fitted could give you an estimated saving of €10.50 off your energy bill per year.

Kettles
Heat the amount of water you really need and if you’re using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements. More modern kettles have no visible element so you use less water, you could also try to fill a cup and use it as a guide to fill the kettle, so that you boil the right amount of water.

Curtains
At night pull the curtains to stop heat being lost through the windows. Ensure not to drape curtains over the radiator as this will funnel heat straight out of the windows.

Heating
Turning the thermostat down by just 1°C can cut as much as 10% off your heating bills. Consider heating your home for an hour less a day and you will also save on your running costs.

Television, Hi-Fi and Computers
Standby can use as much as 10%-60%of the electricity that would be used by the device if it was switched on. Ensure to switch off your TV, video and Hi-Fi at the set. Also don’t forget to turn your Computer monitor off, as it too wastes electricity if left on.

Appliances
When purchasing kitchen appliances such as fridges, freezers, dishwashers and washing machines, opt for a more energy efficient appliance. An EU Energy Label should be displayed (A to G Scale) on appliances for sale in order to help you make a choice, “A” being the most efficient and “G” being the worst for energy.

Tumble Driers
Tumble driers consume high amounts of energy so try to use washing lines or airers.
Avoid putting very wet clothing into the dryer, make sure you wring clothing out or spin dry again to help use less energy.

Draught Proofing your Home

It will keep your home warmer, drive down heating costs, and also make your home increasingly environmentally friendly. Savings will continue year on year, so depending on the extent of your draught proofing, the fairly low cost of draught proofing can often be paid off within a few years.

Insulation
Upgrading your Cavity Wall & Attic Insulation will save energy in your home by reducing energy losses through the building by up to 40%. Grant Aid is still available from SEAI.