1. What is Energy Efficiency?

Energy efficiency within the home is aimed at achieving the required level of comfort at least cost to the householder while minimising damage to the environment. Every time we switch on a light, cook a meal or turn up the thermostat we use energy. Whichever type of fuel is used we add to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which ultimately contributes to the threat of global warming. Whilst the use of energy within the home is an essential part of daily life, nevertheless, an excessive amount of energy is wasted or lost within many or our dwellings owing to:

• Lack of insulation (including insufficient or poorly installed insulation)
• Inefficient heating and hot water systems
• Unnecessary ventilation
• Energy inefficient electrical appliances
• Poor practices in the use of energy.

Over one quarter of CO2 produced in Ireland can be directly traced to fuel use within the home. Investment in fuel efficiency therefore, not only improves comfort levels withing the home and saves money by reducing fuel bills, but also minimises damage to the environment. Decreased demand for energy by making our homes more energy efficient is an important machanism for environmental protection. Energy efficient homes also significantly reduce the risk of ill health, fuel debt and fuel poverty defined as the inability to afford adequate warmth due to energy inefficiency in the home.

2. The Benefits of Energy Efficiency

some of the benefits of investment in energy efficiency within the home for the individual householder include:

• greater warmth and improved comfort 
  - this is particularly important for the elderly, disabled and young children
• less risk of ill health
  - prolonged exposure to temperatures below 16 C means increasing health risks due to respiratory disorders
• lower fuel bills
  - by taking some simple steps, fuel bills can be reduced by at least one fifth
• less fuel debt and fuel poverty
  - the percentage spent on fuel for all households is 6.6% while for low income households it ranges from 10-16%
• reduced maintenance
  - as a result of less dampness and condensation
• increased value of home
  - investment in energy efficiency can also increase the asset value of the home
• minimises damage to the environment
  - by reduced emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), smoke and sulphur dioxide (SO2)
• economic benefits through increased disposable income and increased jobs through investment
  - lots jobs could be created trough energy efficiency in domestic sector.

3. Energy Saving Tips at Home

There are many things we can all do at home to reduce energy consumption, while maintaining and even improving our comfort. The following are options that will help energy use in the home.

Hot water

• Turn the themostat on your water heater down to 60 C, this is usually adequate for bathing and washing;
• Take shower instead of bath and have a short shower instead of long one;
• Install a low-flow shower head;
• Repair dripping hot water taps;
• Use a plug in basin or sink;
• Put a lagging jacket on the hot water cylinder and insulate pipes around it.

Space heating

• Draughtproof your house to minimise air leaks around doors and windows;
• Eliminate draughts through letterboxes, keyholes, floorboards and skirting boards, but remember that ventilation is just as important as insulation;
• Insulate the attics;
• Only heat rooms that are being used and switch central heating only when needed;
• Stop heat loss through the windows by using heavy curtains;
• Fit shelves above radiators to keep heat indoors;
• Recommended room temperature 18-21 C;
• Remove furniture and other obstructions which are too near to radiators.

Lighting

• Install compact fluorescent lights (CFL) in high use areas;
• Switch off lights when you leave a room and use natural light whenever practical;
• Don't light unused rooms.

Appliances

• Operate the dishwasher only when it's full,
• Look for an Energy Rating label when buying appliances;
• Switch off television when nobody watches, do not leave on a standby;
• Defrost refrigerators frequently;
• Don't leave fridge door open for longer than necessary;
• Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool first;
• Don't overfill the kettle for just one drink, boil only the amount of water you need;
• Have your chimney and your gas fire cleaned regularly.

Clothes washing

• Run your washer fully loaded;
• Use cold water cycles for clothes washing;
• Dry clothes on a clothes line whenever possible instead of using tumble dryer;
• Don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer; wring them out or spin dry them first.

Cooking

• Use a microwave oven when appropriate;
• Thaw out frozen foods before starting to cook;
• Cook more than one dish at a time;
• Use the toaster rather than the grill;
• Remember the oven is very expensive to use, so try to use it sparingly and efficiently;
• Choose the right size pan for the food and the cooker and try to keep lids on when cooking;
• Reduce the amount of water needed for boiling.

4. Energy Efficiency & House Design

The best time to include energy efficiency measures is when a house is being designed and built. Incorporating energy efficiency from the beginning will give maximum benefits for the least cost. Maximum benefit from energy efficiency measures will only be obtained from an integrated approach, i.e. combining a number of complementary measures into a comprehensive package rather than ad hoc inclusion of single measures.

An energy efficient house will be warmer, more comfortable and have low running costs.

5. Example - The Mansion House

The Mansion House, Lord Mayor's Dublin office and residence.

A reduction in energy use of 26% per annum was achieved by the Mansion House after implementation of Energy Action energy audit recommendations. As the Mansion House is an important feature of Dublin's Architectural Heritage, its character and appearance could not be changed in attempt to make the building super energy efficient. With this in mind the following technical improvements were made without altering the appearance of the House:

1. Windows and doors were draughtproofed;
2. Roof space was insulated where possible;
3. 3 hot water cylinders were insulated with lagging jackets.

Other recommendations included insulation of external walls, double-glazing windows, changing the main heating system, putting heating system controls and using CFLs were not acceptable from an architectural standpoint.