5 ways to get winter ready
Given we usually spend more time at home during the winter, we should consider getting our homes ready for the change in seasons and drop in temperature.
Having a warm, cosy home is not only important for your comfort and wellbeing but if you can make improvements in your energy use, you'll reap the financial rewards too. The average Irish household spends over €2,000 on household energy bills annually according to the CSO's latest figures. Who wouldn't want to reduce that?
How can you get a warmer home? We're sharing SEAI's top tips, including the grants we provide, to help you make this change.
1. Insulate your attic
The first step to a warmer home is to make sure that the attic is well insulated. Approximately 20-30% of the heat within the home can be lost through the roof.
This loss of heat and energy costs money in the form of higher heating bills. It also means that as soon as a cold winter arrives - a home is going to be a lot harder to heat.
Attic insulation is a cost-effective, quick and easy solution to upgrade your home's energy efficiency. And there is a SEAI grant available, to help make it more affordable for all, starting from €800.
2. Insulate your walls
Up to 35% of your home's heat can be lost through your external walls. You can reduce this heat loss by insulating the walls so that more heat is kept inside your home. There are three different ways to insulate your walls; cavity, external and internal wall insulation. Talk to an SEAI registered BER Assessor for advice on the best option to suit your needs.
You can save up to €600 per year on heating bills when you insulate both your attic and your walls. Learn more about our wall insulation grants.
3. Install heating controls
Installing heating controls can provide substantial energy savings by allowing you to take charge of your energy consumption. Coordinate your heating and hot water supply with your day to-day life at home. When it's not needed, turn it off and avoid wasting energy. You can heat different rooms or 'zones' to different temperatures so everyone is happy.
Embrace heating controls and reduce your energy usage by up to 20%. Enjoy a more energy efficient home this winter. Learn more about SEAI's heating controls grant.
By insulating the attic and walls, you can save up to €600 per year on heating bills and have a warmer, more energy efficient home.
4. Install solar panels
With the vast majority of us working from home, investing in solar pv panels makes more sense now than ever before. Solar pv allows you to generate your own renewable electricity and power up your appliances during the day using energy from the sun. The energy you consume will be clean and free, both good for the environment and for your pocket! On average, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can save you between €200-€300 per year on your domestic electricity bill.
Learn more about our grant for solar pv and battery energy storage systems.
5. Heat Pumps
If you already have a well-insulated home, then a heat pump could be the next step for you. A heat pump is a renewable heating system that can heat your home and hot water. The most popular types are air-to-water, which are ideal for Ireland's moist climate.
This means no more burning fossil fuels, so you are supporting the environment by reducing your carbon emissions. Not to mention how much you'll save on your heating bills in the long term.
SEAI also provide a heat pump grant to help homeowners make the switch.
Winter proofing your home will improve your comfort levels; reduce your energy bills and is good for the environment - it's a win-win!
If you are a homeowner and would like a warmer and more comfortable home, there are a number of ways to plan and manage your home energy upgrade and grant applications.
Compare the options and the grants available to see what works for you.
Learn more about SEAI's home energy grants