Get Your Home Winter Ready

Winter might still feel a little way off, but the smartest time to prepare is before the frost sets in. A few simple steps now can keep you warm, cut your bills, and make sure your home is running efficiently when the cold weather arrives. At Synergy Credit Union, we’re here to help you stay cosy and save money all season long. And if you’ve ever wondered whether solar panels could work for your home, our handy Voltflo Solar Panel Picker makes it quick and easy to find out – no jargon, just clear answers about your potential savings.

Regulate Your Heating Wisely

Lowering your thermostat by just 1 °C can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. Aim for around 20 °C in living spaces and slightly cooler temperatures in bedrooms. Pair this with a programmable timer to ensure heat is used only when needed.

Keep Your Radiators at Peak Performance

Air trapped in your radiators diminishes their output and spikes costs. Regularly bleed them to restore efficiency, and make sure curtains or furniture aren’t blocking heat. You can also fit inexpensive radiator heat reflectors to the wall behind radiators on external walls — they bounce heat back into the room instead of letting it escape through the wall.

Slash Appliance Energy Use

Big appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and tumble dryers can be energy hogs. Opt for eco-friendly cycles, wash at lower temperatures, dry clothes outdoors when possible, and always fully switch off appliances—standby mode still draws power.

Cook with Energy in Mind

Small habits like batch cooking, using lids on pots, or only boiling the water you need can add up. Slow cookers are also a great energy-saving option for hearty meals. Having home made meals in the fridge or freezer ready to go saves a lot of hassle at meal times and expense in the supermarket.

Seal Your Home Against Heat Loss

Draughty doors and windows let warmth escape. Use draught excluders, heavier curtains, or seal gaps to help retain heat—before cranking up the thermostat.

Prep Your Heating System for Winter

An annual boiler service can keep your system efficient and reliable. If you use an open fire, don’t forget to get your chimney swept—it’s safer and more effective. Book them now , don't wait till they get mad busy

Tackle Hot Water Costs

Water heating is a big part of your bill. Lower usage with shorter showers, efficient shower heads, and using your immersion heater only when necessary. Challenge the kids , buy a shower timer !!!

Go Solar with Confidence

Curious about solar energy? With rising utility costs and a growing emphasis on sustainability, solar panels are a smart solution. Thanks to our partnership with Voltflo, Synergy members can now get a free, no-obligation solar report via our Voltflo Solar Platform. Just enter your Eircode or address to instantly see:

• How many solar panels your roof can support
• Estimated power generation based on roof layout
• Predicted annual savings on your electricity bills
• Approximate Installation cost and payback time frame

Try the calculator here before you make the decision :  https://synergycu.voltflo.com/

If you’re considering solar, don’t stop there—our Green Loans can help finance the remainder after grants, making the switch both sustainable and affordable.

Why It Matters:

By combining everyday energy-saving steps with longer-term investments like solar, you’ll not only cut down on bills but also support a greener future. And remember: Synergy Credit Union isn’t just here to advise—you’re backed every step of the way.