10 steps towards a more sustainable home

Implementing sustainable solutions into your home will not only reduce energy and help reduce energy costs, more importantly it will have a positive impact on the environment, allowing you to play a role in tackling climate change. 

In our blog we look at 10 ways at how you make your home more green and eco-friendly. 

1. Switch off appliances when they’re not in use. Don’t leave the TV on standby, don’t leave the kettle plugged in all day, or the lamp on all night out of habit. A modern TV will use 58.6 watts when in On mode and 1.3 watts in standby mode. If you have a smart metre, you can see which appliances use the most electricity and at what times, allowing you to make wise choices! 

2. Check your appliances for their energy rating. Many household appliances such as fridges and washing machines all have energy ratings, like a home energy rating, going from A (most energy efficient), to G (least energy efficient). SEAI have some great information on energy labelling and eco-design here. 

3. Recycle! Most households have a green bin, with many refuse companies offering free recycling bins when on a package deal. There are also free bottle banks, clothing donation boxes and cardboard recycling locations in many local towns. Visit the website of your local county council to see where your nearest one is. 

4. Switch to LED lighting. LED light bulbs use 85% less electricity than traditional bulbs, with an average lifespan of 15 years! 

5. Be transport conscious. Swap the 5 minute drive to the shop for a 10 minute walk instead and reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions emitted into the environment. We know driving is essential for many people, for work, for school, but try to look at other options also, including public transport, cycling, walking and car sharing. Every little bit helps protect our planet for the next generation. 

6. Reduce your habits! How long do you spend in the shower? Is a bath necessary, or can a shower suffice? Does the thermostat need to be up that high, or can I just put a jumper on? Review your habits of switching on the heat and leaving it on for hours, and try to reduce it slightly as every single step will help reduce energy usage, energy bills and help reduce your impact on the environment. 

7. Insulate your home. Does your home have any insulation, and if so, is it enough? Insulation is the number one tip in becoming energy efficient as it prevents the heat escaping from your home. Approximately 35% of heat escapes from walls, and 25% from the attic, so these are the two areas to consider first. See SEAI’s website for insulation grants and contractors. 

8. Renewables are the way forward! Installing solar panels to your home will not only generate FREE green energy, it will also reduce the use of fossil fuels, reduce the impact on the environment and dramatically reduce your energy bills. We have helped thousands of homeowners since we launched in 2009, so let us guide you! Avail of our free consultation by clicking here.  

9. Switch to smart heating with a heat pump. Electric heat pumps not only reduce your heating bill by approximately 70% per annum, they also reduce your carbon emission by just over 20%. With grant funding available, we can help you apply with SEAI and install this smart technology in your home. Want to know more? See our heat pump blog for full information. 

10.Spread the word! We all hear about climate change in the news daily, we see the effects in our adverse weather, and now is the time we all spoke openly and helped each other become more sustainable. Share car journeys, create a wild garden with neighbours, teach your children about energy, and work together to protect the planet for the future. 

If you have any questions on renewable energy, home or business energy grants, or would like a free consultation, please email us at info@hybridenergygroup.ie or call 049-4355054