30 October 2024
20 Electricity Saving Tips
As winter approaches and energy bills rise, Synergy Credit Union is here to help you save. We’ve gathered 20 practical tips to cut electricity costs without sacrificing comfort.
From smarter heating to efficient appliance use, these simple, Irish household-friendly tips can make a big difference.
If you are thinking of an upgrade to your heating system or installing solar panels before the grant drops in January, why not take advantage of our low interest rate Green Loan here.
Read on to see how small changes can lead to big savings this winter.
- Switch to LED Lighting: Replace incandescent and CFL bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer.
- Using electricity to heat your home: Reducing your heating by just 1 degree can save up to 10% on your heating bill. Start at 21 C and gradually lower it to find your comfort level.
- Wash Clothes at Lower Temperatures: Most laundry can be cleaned effectively at 30°C, using less energy compared to higher temperature settings.
- Use Eco Modes: For dishwashers and washing machines, use eco or energy-saving modes to use less water and energy during each cycle.
- Take Advantage of Natural Light: Open curtains during the day to let in natural light and reduce the need for electric lighting.
- Use Zoned Heating: Only heat the rooms you use frequently. Consider turning off or lowering the heat in rooms that are less used to save energy.
- Avoid Preheating the Oven: For most dishes, you can skip preheating the oven, saving energy every time you cook. Think about using air-fryers and slow cookers.
- Upgrade Appliances to A-Rated Models: When replacing old appliances, look for energy-efficient models with a high energy rating (A or better).
- Only Boil the Water You Need: Electric kettles are very popular in Ireland but can use a lot of power. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need to avoid waste.
- Use a Shower Timer: Irish homes often rely on electric showers, which consume a lot of power. Limiting showers to 5 minutes or less can save on both electricity and water.
- Install a Hot Water Cylinder Jacket: Many Irish homes still use hot water cylinders. A jacket can help retain heat, reducing the need to reheat the water.
- Use a Smart Meter to track your usage: Smart meters can help track energy usage in real-time, making it easier to find opportunities to cut down on consumption. Use the information from your smart meter , it will provide you with insights on your energy use in real time. You can use this information then to get best tariff deal that suits your usage. Less than 12% of Irish consumers are on a smart time-of-use tariff , but the information from your smart meter may show you that a smart tariff could be best for You- Log on to ESB networks https://www.esbnetworks.ie/ to see your data from your smart meter and you can then upload this data to https://www.energypal.ie/ and it will It gives you a heat map of your usage by day and hour, and a comparison of the available electricity plans available. The savings can be impressive.
- Use Timers on Heating: Set timers on electric heaters and immersion tanks to run only when needed, rather than leaving them on throughout the day.
- Defrost Freezers Regularly: Frost buildup can make freezers work harder, consuming more energy. Defrosting helps them run more efficiently.
- Invest in a Solar PV System: Grants are available for residential solar installations, and while sunshine varies, even small systems can contribute to household energy needs. There will be a change in the Solar PV grant amount effective from 1st January 2025. The maximum grant value will be reduced from the current cap of €2100 to €1800. See Here : https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/individual-grants/solar-electricity-grant
- Layer Up on cold winter days: Heating accounts for a large portion of energy bills, especially during the Irish winter. Wearing warmer layers indoors can allow you to lower your thermostat a degree or two, saving electricity.
- Limit Hot Water Usage: Reducing the length of showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth or washing dishes can help save on water heating costs.
- Choose Low-Wattage Lighting for Outdoor Spaces: If you have outdoor lighting, opt for solar-powered or low-wattage LEDs to save on energy. Motion-sensor lights are ideal for energy savings too.
- Dry Clothes Naturally When Possible: Use a drying rack indoors or outdoors when possible instead of the dryer, especially on milder days but precautions should be taken to prevent mould and maintain healthy indoor air quality.
- Educate Family Members: Sometimes the biggest energy-saving gains come from small habit changes, so make sure everyone in the household is aware of these tips to maximise savings.
