The Yuletide/ Christmas Season comes at the time of year when we are likely to need energy in our homes the most. The days are short, the nights are long and cold, and most of us are on holidays from work, school or college.
It is the season for big meals, entertaining friends and family, and of course lighting up our homes to ward away the darkness.
So how do we best go about celebrating and enjoying our time at home but avoid running up our energy bills and carbon emissions?
Approximately 25% of our overall energy use is in the home. Learn ways to reduce both your heating and electricity use. See SEAI tips on Save Energy at Home.
Heating
You have the Christmas jumper already so now you get to wear it!!
- Turn the thermostat down to 19°C in living areas: 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.
- Only heat it when you need it: Set the times that your heating comes on and off so that it fits with your daily routine. Radiators will continue to heat your home for some time after the heating is turned off. Try turning on your heating only 30 minutes before you need it. Then turn it off 30 minutes before you don’t need it anymore.
- Stop those pesky draughts: Be sure to fit draught strips on doors and windows especially in older houses, and help elderly neighbours do the same. Costs little, prevents draughts and saves energy.
- Get your boiler serviced regularly: This will make it run more efficiently, improve safety, as well as reducing fuel consumption by 10%. When you are having your boiler serviced ask your plumber to explain the settings and how to use them correctly.
Hot Water
Use hot water only when you need it, the kettle doesn’t need to be switched on four times before you make the tea!
- Have a five-minute shower rather than a bath.
- Only heat it when you need it: Use an immersion timer control to ensure you have hot water only when you need it. Most appliances and all electric showers only use cold water.
- Ensure your hot water tank is well insulated.
Electricity
Big savings here, enjoy the low warm cosy lighting from the tree lights and decorations, and your house may be full so be sure to fill the dishwashers, etc. before use.
- Time of day: Electricity is at highest demand between 7 am-9 am in the morning and 5 pm-7 pm at night. Electricity is at peak production during these times and is typically more carbon intensive. Try to use electricity outside these times. Many new appliances have delay start timers and this can help avoid peak time usage. Consider a smart tariff with cheaper rates outside of peak times.
- Use a lower temperature “Eco-Cycle” for your washing machine and dishwasher. Minimise use of the dryer and hang washing out to dry when possible. Use a wood dryer ball to reduce cycle times.
- The oven is a big energy user: use it sparingly. Use air fryers whenever possible.
- Replace your old inefficient light bulbs: with low energy LED lights. Start with the lamps in your living room or kitchen where you spend most of your time. Switch off outside lights when not needed. Replace old bulb Christmas lights with low energy long lasting LEDs. Use downlights outside to prevent nighttime light pollution that drives wildlife away.
- Unplug your appliances: when they aren’t in use. Even in standby mode they are using 20% of the energy they would consume if they were on.
- Buy the highest energy rated product you can afford when replacing home appliances. The difference in cost may be less than you think. A higher rated appliance will be cheaper to run over their lifetime.
Energy Audit Game
This makes a great Christmas game for the whole family, see who can work out how to save the most energy over the holidays.
Do an Energy Audit of your home using a kit from your local library. Each kit has five tools to help you track your energy use, including:
- Thermal Leak Detector measure heat loss
- Plug-in Energy Monitor to measure your appliances’ energy use
- Temperature and Humidity Meter
- Fridge Freezer Thermometer to accurately measure the temperature inside your fridge and freezer
- Radiator Key for bleeding your radiators
Your local library can lend you a “Home Energy Kit” supplied by Codema.
