Saving energy at home
Fact sheet
Did you know?
Irish homes use about a quarter of all energy used in the country – that’s even more
than industry! Can you name some of the ways that energy is used in your home?
We all use energy at home every day, we use electricity and other types of energy like oil and gas for heat,
light, the TV, the cooker, the X-box and lots of other things. However, there are lots of ways we can use less
energy to do the same things, this is called being energy efficient.
Why be energy efficient at home?
 Your home will be more comfortable.
 You will be taking action against climate change.
 It will save you money on electricity and heating bills.
How can we be energy efficient at home?
Here are the main things you should consider
 Lighting.
 Heating and hot water.
 Appliances; washing machines, dishwashers, cookers, tumble dryers.
 Computers, TV, DVD, games consoles.
 Insulation – stop the heat escaping through the roof and walls.
There are different ways to save energy, some cost money and some cost nothing. Here are some examples:
Tips that cost nothing
 Lowering your heating thermostat by just 1ºC will knock 10% off your heating bill. Check the
temperature and if it’s above 20ºC turn it down.
 Keep your curtains closed at night, even in empty rooms.
 Switch off lights when leaving a room.
 Close doors behind you.
 Switch appliances off rather than leaving them on standby. This can save up to 20% of your appliances’
energy use.
 Use the timers on your immersion or boiler so you can control when the heating comes on and goes off.
This means you have heating and hot water when and where you want it.
Low-cost tips (pay for themselves in energy savings in 1-2 years).
 Insulate your hot water cylinder with a lagging jacket.
 Replace light bulbs with more efficient bulbs.
Medium-cost tips (pay for themselves in energy savings in 3-4 years).
 Insulate your attic.
 Buy energy efficient appliances. Look for A on the Energy Label.
 Install an energy monitor in your home to help manage your energy use.
Long-term tips
 Insulating your attic and walls could save you 30-40% on your home heating bill
 Double-glazed windows.
Visit the website for videos, web links and lots more on your topic!
http://www.seai.ie/onegoodidea
Glossary of Terms
Climate Change: When we burn fossil fuels to run our homes, factories and cars, carbon dioxide is
produced. This is adding to the greenhouse effect, which in turn is causing the earth to heat up and our
climate to change.
Energy Efficiency: There are lots of ways we can use less energy to do the same things, this is called being
energy efficient. For example, if the heat is on but the windows are open allowing the heat to escape, it
takes more energy to keep the room warm.
Curriculum Strands: SESE, Science and Geography— Environmental awareness and care SPHE—Myself and the wider
world; Environmental care SESE, Science – Materials, Energy and forces