Energy Performance Certificates Northern Ireland

 

Heating and Insulation Tips

Heaters

  • When buying heaters, make sure that they are the right size for the rooms they are to heat, and that they have thermostatic controls
  • Remember that electric heaters other than storage heaters consume electricity at the most expensive charge rate
  • Use a space or portable heater instead of the central heater, if only one room needs heating
  • Choose heaters with thermostat controls and timers

Central Heating

  • Turn off heating overnight and when you are out during the day
  • Turn off the heating if you are going to be out of the house for more than a day
  • Proper control and regular maintenance of your heating system can reduce fuel consumption by 10 - 20%
  • If you have gas heating, turn off pilot lights during the warmer months
  • Heat bedroom areas to less than 18˚C
  • 20˚C is an ideal room temperature.  Turning down thermostats by 1˚C can reduce annual space heating energy consumption by 10% with an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Heat Loss

  • Open fires are wasteful of energy with more than 70% of the energy going up the chimney
  • If the radiator is mounted below a window, a projecting window-board or shelf above the radiator will direct warm air into the room, reducing heat loss through the window
  • Close doors to separate heated from unheated areas of your home, and minimize the area you are heating

Hot Water Heating

  • Use the timer on immersion heaters.  This should supply you with enough hot water as and when you need
  • Heating hot water account for 64% of energy consumption in the home: you should be thrifty in its use
  • 90% of the energy consumption of washing machines goes on heating the water.  Wash clothes whenever possible in cold or cool water

Insulation

  • A lagging jacket on your hot water cylinder will keep water hotter for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 months.
  • If replacing the hot water cylinder, a cylinder with factory applied insulation should be considered. Such insulation is more effective at retaining heat than a lagging jacket, is less easily damaged and cannot be pulled out of place.
  • Insulate your attic and save up to 20% on your home heating bill.