Energy Saving Tips for Winter: Stay Warm and Save Money

Winter is around the corner, and with energy costs rising, it’s the perfect time to adopt smart energy-saving habits. Balcas Energy is here to help you keep your home warm and comfortable while reducing energy expenses. Below, we share some valuable tips on how to save energy and money during the colder months.

Temperature: Heating Savings This Winter

Lower Your Thermostat: Set your living areas to a comfortable 20°C. Hallways and bedrooms can be cooler, ideally between 15-18°C. By reducing the room temperature by just one degree, you could lower your heating bill by up to 10%.

Radiators

Control Room Temperatures: Use the radiator valve to turn the temperature down or off in rooms that are not used frequently. This will help you save energy by heating only the areas you use the most.

Hot Water

Set Your Thermostat: Keep your hot water thermostat set to between 60-65°C. This ensures your water is hot enough for safety while preventing energy wastage from overheating.

Immersion Timer: Use an immersion timer to ensure you have hot water only when you need it, and keep the heat with a lagging jacket to insulate the immersion.

Hot Water: Showers

Take Showers Instead of Baths: A shower typically uses 20% of the energy compared to a full bath, so keep the bath as a treat.

Taps

Turn Off the Tap: Don’t leave the hot tap running – you are pouring energy and money down the drain. See our Temperature tips for reducing your appliance and water heater temperatures.

Appliances

Dishwasher and Washing Machine: Most of the energy used by these appliances goes into heating water. Run them at a lower temperature setting to save energy. Washing clothes at 30°C is often sufficient if they aren’t particularly dirty.

Fridge and Freezer

Optimal Temperatures: Set your fridge to between 2-3°C to keep food safe without freezing fruits and vegetables. The freezer should be set to -15°C for best performance.

Timers and Controls

Heating Timers: Schedule your heating to come on and off in line with your daily routine. Heating your home for 30 minutes before you need it and turning it off 30 minutes before you don’t can reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.

Smart Heating Controls: Smart heating controls can help you manage temperature and schedule easily from your smartphone. Many homeowners are investing in these controls, which are often available from energy suppliers. Balcas Energy also offers a grant of €700 to help finance this upgrade. Visit the SEAI page on Heating Upgrade Grants for more details.

Energy Monitors

Electricity Monitors: These devices tell you how much energy you are using in real time. If you switch on the shower or the kettle, you can see the numbers jump. Monitors are great for getting a handle on where you use the most energy. You can make decisions on your energy use based on real data.

Light

Maximise Daylight: Delay switching on lights until absolutely necessary by maximizing natural light. Arrange your furniture to make the most of daylight.

Energy Efficient Bulbs: Replace failed bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs. Choose the lowest wattage suitable for the space and consider the amount of natural light available.

Turn Off the Lights: Make it a habit to turn off lights when leaving a room. Outdoor lights can be fitted with sensors or timers to reduce energy consumption.

Draughts

Close Doors: Keep doors closed between heated and unheated rooms to retain heat.

Plug Draughts: Check for draughts around windows, keyholes, and doors, and plug them. If you have an unused fireplace, a chimney balloon can help keep the cold air out and the warmth in.

Curtains: Close curtains to keep heat inside at night, but open them during the day to let the warmth of the sun in.

Stay Warm and Energy-Efficient This Winter

By making small adjustments like lowering your thermostat, optimizing appliance usage, and keeping draughts at bay, you can make a big difference in your energy usage. Balcas Energy is committed to helping you heat your home efficiently while keeping costs manageable. Let’s make this winter warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient together.

Order your wood pellets now before the winter rush starts, and be ready for the colder months ahead. Stay warm and prepared with Balcas Energy—your trusted partner in sustainable heating solutions.