How to Reduce your Electricity Bill
With electricity bills set to rise an average 19.7% from January 1, with higher global oil and gas costs to blame, how can you keep warm this winter without breaking the bank?
Remember too there are other benefits to reducing energy use – you’ll be doing the environment a favour.
ESB Press Officer Kevin MacDermott agrees.
"Energy efficiency not only makes economic sense in reducing your energy usage and costs, but it also makes environmental sense. Every energy saving step taken by households reduces the national energy usage, lowering generation needs and reducing emissions thus helping for now, and for the generations to come," he said.
Global warming really does begin in the home and everyone can do something to reduce the production of greenhouses gases simply by saving energy.
The greenhouse gas carbon dioxide is produced when we burn fossil fuels, either in the home, or in the power station which supplies us. By cutting energy use, we reduce the amount of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere.
A car produces about 7kg of CO2 from a gallon of petrol, but power stations can produce the same amount generating only eight units of electricity. Most homes in Ireland use around two or three times this amount each day.
First of all, the ESB recommends you fit energy-saving lightbulbs, which dramatically cut the cost of lighting your home as they use 80% less electricity than ordinary bulbs to produce comparable light, and last eight times as long. These bulbs are widely available and, although initially more expensive, save you a lot more money in the long run.
The ESB point out that up to one third of heat loss in a home is through the roof and up to 15% of heat escapes through badly-fitted external doors and windows.
Fitting draught excluders to eliminate draughts is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reduce heat loss. Choose from self-adhesive foam strips, more durable metal and plastic strips and brush-like strips for the door.
A 150mm (6") attic insulation can pay for itself in energy savings within two years.
The ESB say you should also insulate your hot water cylinder with a thick lagging jacket (at least 80mm). Hot water pipes should also be lagged in order to conserve energy. The cost of lagging pipes and cylinder can be recouped within months.
Get with the modern appliances
The ESB points out that modern appliances are designed to use less electricity than older models. Newer washing machines and dishwashers have 'economy' programmes. 'Jet spray' type washing machines use less water and therefore less electricity to heat.
Energy labelling of all new laundry and refrigeration products is now obligatory. When you go shopping you will find energy information labels on all these appliances. The energy label allows you to compare how energy-efficient one model is against another. The range is from 'A' being the most efficient to 'G' being the least efficient. You will enjoy ongoing long-term savings by choosing the more energy-efficient model.
For more energy saving tips go to esb.ie
Tips to save money and create a greener home this winter:
- Use a washing line to dry your clothes instead of a tumble dryer. Be economical when washing and only wash your clothes when you have a full load. Today's washing powders are just as effective on low temperature programmes - saving energy and money.
- Make sure your freezer is energy efficient, by checking the door seals are working and not leaving the freezer open for long periods of time. Replacing your old freezer with an energy efficient one could save you money on your bills.
- Have a shower instead of a bath, and turn it off when not needed ie when you are applying hair conditioner etc.
- Fit draught excluders to doors and windows, the letterbox and gaps around the skirting boards and floorboards. Not only will you save energy; you will immediately feel warmer by stopping chilly draughts. There are many draught-proofing systems in any big DIY shop.
- Draw the curtains at night. It will keep warm air inside your home.
- Fix dripping hot water taps, which could fill a bath-full of piping hot water each day.
- Use the timer on immersion heaters. This should supply you with enough hot water as and when you need.
Insulation and heating
Up to 35% of heat loss can occur through poorly-insulated external walls. Double glazing cuts heat loss through windows by 50%. Sustainable Energy Ireland give the following tips on heating and insulating your home. For more information go to www.sei.ie.
Heaters:
Make sure that they are the right size for the rooms they are to heat, and that they have thermostatic controls. Electric heaters other than storage heaters consume electricity at the most expensive charge rate. Choose heaters with thermostat controls and timers.
Central Heating:
Turn off the heating overnight and when you are out during the day. Turn off the heating if you are going to be out of the house for more than a day. Proper control and regular maintenance of your heating system can reduce fuel consumption by 10-20%. If you have gas heating, turn off pilot lights during the warmer months. 20C is an ideal room temperature and turning down thermosats by 1C can reduce annual space heating energy consumption by 10% with an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Heat Loss:
SEI say that open fires are wasteful of energy with more than 70% of the energy going up the chimney. If the radiator is mounted below a window, a projecting window-board or shelf above the radiator will direct warm air into the room, reducing heat loss through the window.
Insulation:
Much of the heat loss from a house occurs through the windows, particularly if they are single glazed. Keep curtains closed at night and ensure that the curtains don’t hang over the radiators. A reflective foil, backed by insulation if space permits should be fixed behind radiators mounted on external walls.
A lagging jacket on your hot water cylinder will keep water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months. If replacing the hot water cylinder, a cylinder with factory applied insulation should be considered. Such insulation is more effective at retaining heat than a lagging jacket, is less easily damaged and cannot be pulled out of place. Insulate your attic and save up to 20% on your home-heating bill. Cavity wall insulation is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures.