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Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency |
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Non-domestic Checklist +
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Domestic Energy Management The domestic sector accounts for over 25% of energy consumption.
Energy use in the home is responsible for 30% of energy related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions which is a primary contributor to global warming.
The average energy bill in the home can range from €650 to €2,000 per year.
There are many simple ways to use energy more efficiently that will save you money, make your home more comfortable and benefit the environment.
20% of your energy bills can be saved every year by taking some simple actions described below.
Efficient Lighting - Use energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) instead of traditional bulbs - they use 1/5th the energy and last up to 10 times as long. - Turn off lights in empty rooms and corridors - This can save up to 15% of your lighting bill. - Use daylight - It's free, so keep windows and skylights clean and clear and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day. - Clean light fittings annually as dirt reduces lighting efficiency.
Heating & Hot Water
- Too hot? Set the thermostat at 19°C - costs rise by 8% for every 1°C increase. - Reduce heating when you are away from the house, for example holidays and weekends. - Keep radiators clear, don't block radiators with furniture - it reduces efficiency and output. - Fit reflective panels behind radiators on outer walls. - Keep windows closed in cold weather. If you are too warm, turn the heating down instead. - Close your curtains at dusk to stop heat escaping through the windows. - Fit a lagging jacket - lagging your hot water cylinder will keep the water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months. - A dripping hot water tap wastes energy and in one week wastes enough hot water to fill half a bath, so fix leaking taps and make sure they're fully turned off! - Use a low-flow shower head to save water. - Hot water: For most people, setting the cylinder thermostat at 60°C/140°F is fine for bathing and washing. - Plug it: Always put the plug in your basin or sink. Leaving hot water to run straight down the drain really is throwing money away.
Household Appliances
- Only boil as much water as you need (but remember to cover the element if you're using an electric kettle). - Use a microwave instead of the oven and the toaster instead of the grill when possible. - Televisions, videos, stereos, and computers: Cut down on wasted energy, by switching appliances off completely rather than leaving them on standby. Fridges - Don't leave the door open for longer than necessary, cold air escapes. - Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge by allowing it to cool down first. - Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. - When defrosting, put frozen food in the refrigerator. - If you have your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them.
Washing machines and tumble dryers: - Always wash a full load and if you can't use a half-load or economy programme. - Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. - Dry clothes on the line when the weather is dry. - Wringing out or spin-drying really wet clothes before putting them into a tumble dryer will save you money, and they dry faster.
Draughts and Insulation
- Insulate your attic - attic insulation will keep the heat in your home for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 years. - To eliminate draughts and wasted heat use an easy-to-fit brush or PVC seal on your exterior doors. - Stop draughts and heat escaping through floorboards and skirting boards by filling gaps with newspaper, beading or sealant. - Seal the attic door with draught proof tape to prevent heat escape. - Make sure your windows are draught proofed. A low cost, short-term alternative to double-glazing would be to tape polythene across window frames.
Things to Remember
- It's very important to ensure that any appliance, including cookers or boilers, have enough ventilation to operate safely. - Do not block up existing air vents or grills, they are there to ensure your safety. - Make sure any chimneys and flues being used by appliances burning fuel (gas, coal, oil, wood etc.) are regularly swept and checked for blockages.
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Carlow Kilkenny Energy Agency Castle Hill, Carlow. Phone: 059-9143871, Fax: 059-9143290, info@ckea.ie
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(c/o
CKLP),
42 Parliament Street,
Kilkenny. Phone: 056 7752111
Carlow County Council, Athy Road, Carlow. Phone: 059-9170300,
www.carlow.ie |
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