We all want to play our part in reducing carbon emissions to help protect our planet. Reducing energy in the home is a great way to start. Collectively, if we all work together to make small changes, this will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also on our energy bills.
We’ve put together energy-saving tips in the home that are easy to follow, and best of all, you can start today!
Lighting
Most of us are aware that LED lighting is available, but did you know that LED lightbulbs are 85% more energy-efficient than traditional lightbulbs? This is a simple swap that can be made in every room in the house and in every lamp in every room.
Track your electricity usage with your smart meter
Very soon, we will all have a smart meter installed, as ESB Networks is currently rolling them out nationwide. When you sign up to Electric Ireland’s smart meter plan, Home Electric+ – which is no extra charge when you’re an Electric Ireland customer – you can track your electricity usage.
Home Electric+ will give you premium insights into which appliances are using the most electricity in your house and costing you the most money on your electricity bill. Home Electric+ insights will also show you the energy costs of similar homes to yours, so that you can make informed decisions about your own electricity usage. Reducing your energy will reduce your energy bill.
What will you get on a Home Electric+ price plan?
Monthly electricity bill on a date of your choice.
No more estimated electricity bills or bill surprises.
Personalised electricity insights to help reduce your bills and carbon footprint.
Annual review so you know you’re on the right plan.
Access to time-of-use price plans giving you cheaper electricity at off-peak times.
Choose the right smart meter plan for you
Many of us are guilty of leaving the hot tap running when we’re running a bath or washing dishes. But leaving the hot tap running is just washing money down the drain. Turn the thermostat for your living areas down to 20°C. The temperature in hallways and bedrooms should be cooler, ideally between 15-18°C. You can reduce your heating bill by 10% by lowering your room temperature by just one degree.
Solar power
Did you know that Ireland, with its temperate climate, is the ideal climate to generate renewable energy from solar panels? Your home's roof could be saving you money right now! By installing Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels on your roof, your home can generate clean, green, renewable energy from daylight, which is a free and natural resource.
If you have a farm, Electric Ireland are now installing rooftop Solar PV in farms throughout Ireland. And the best part of solar-powered energy is that you can avail of an SEAI grant, saving you thousands of euros.
If you have solar panels installed, there is also the option to include a diverter to heat your water. Electric Ireland customers can avail of SEAI grants and installation of various size Solar PV arrays starting with a 20 panel 6kWp array. Larger arrays are available for farms and will be designed and sized to best suit your farm’s requirements.
Battery storage
Working in tandem with solar PV, a Solar Battery System can increase savings from Solar PV and store generated energy for later use. Electric Ireland supply home batteries made by Sonnen GmbH of Germany. Each battery is a fully integrated energy storage solution enabling users to change the way they manage and control their energy. The battery storage system is installed together with your Solar PV purchase or can be added to an existing Solar PV system. Electric Ireland customers can also avail of an SEAI grant for battery storage.
100% green electricity
What better way to power your home than with 100% renewable electricity? Green electricity is a simple way to cut your carbon emission and reduce your impact on the environment. Electric Ireland guarantees that 100% of the electricity supplied to you under its 100% Green Electricity Plan is sourced from renewable generation, in accordance with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities Green Source Product Verification process.
The Electric Ireland Interactive Home is a one-stop shop for all your energy-saving needs. Explore the home to find out which appliances you can save energy on. Reducing energy means doing your bit for the environment - and your pocket.
Read more: How to save energy when heating your home
Read more: How to save energy on your home appliances
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