Kelly Ohlmus / Tuesday, July 4, 2023 / Categories: Home Improvement Trends, Project Advice & Ideas Upgrade Your Home's Energy Efficiency: A Sustainable Solution for Climate Change & Cost Savings Upgrade your home's energy efficiency to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on bills. Discover sustainable solutions for climate change and cost savings with renewable energy sources like heat pumps and solar panels. Find out about available financial support for homeowners and get professional assistance for home energy upgrades. As Ireland continues to experience a warmer and wetter climate due to the effects of climate change, upgrading your home's energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important to both reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utilities. Exploring renewable energy sources such as heat pumps, solar water heating panels and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can help you make decisions that lead to less emissions being released into the atmosphere. Besides using renewable energy sources, properly insulating to remain warm during winter & cool during summer is vital in light of changing weather conditions. Fortunately, there are many financial supports available for homeowners who are interested in making their homes more energy efficient, so don't worry if you feel like this process might be beyond your budget. There may be grants or other incentives that would fit your project! Read on for further information on popular home upgrade options as well as advice on where to get professional assistance when it comes to increasing the efficiency of your property's energy use. Overview of how climate change is affecting Ireland and why home energy upgrades are important Climate change is already having a significant effect on Ireland. Since the Industrial Revolution, Ireland's average temperature has risen by 0.8 degrees Celsius and average annual national rainfall has increased by approximately 60mm or 5%. Climate change not only means changes in the average climate such as temperature but also changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events. These changes are already having a direct impact on Ireland's energy consumption, as heating and cooling systems are used more often. As such, it is important to begin taking steps to upgrade our homes to reduce the amount of energy we consume and therefore lower our carbon footprint. An effective home energy upgrade will not only help save money on utilities but also provide greater comfort all year long. Popular Home Energy Upgrade Options: Heat Pumps, Solar Water Heating Panels and Solar Photovoltaic Panels. Heat pumps are a popular choice among homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outside of your home into rooms inside, providing an efficient way to warm your living space. There are both air source and ground source models available, so consult with a professional to decide which type is best for you. Solar water heating panels are another excellent way to make the most of renewable energy sources. These systems use thermal energy from the sun, coupled with a system of pipes and coils, to preheat your hot water supply before it reaches your boiler or immersion heater. This reduces the amount of gas or electricity needed for conventional heating methods, saving you money in the long run. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are also a popular home energy upgrade option, producing electricity from the sun's rays and reducing your reliance on grid energy suppliers. PV systems generate no interference with neighbours and have very few maintenance requirements. Plus, they don't require much space so can be installed in both urban and rural settings. Read Pros & Cons of 7 Home Renewable Home Energy Systems The Significance of Heating & Ventilation in a Warming Climate - Achieving Optimal Insulation for Year-Round Comfort As our planet faces the challenges of climate change, it becomes increasingly important to prioritise the comfort of your home throughout the year. One crucial aspect of achieving this is through effective insulation, which not only helps to maintain warmth within your living space but also prevents unnecessary heat loss. By investing in insulation for your walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors, you can create a robust barrier against temperature fluctuations, ensuring a cosy environment regardless of the season. In addition to insulation, it is equally essential to implement efficient heating and ventilation systems. These systems play a vital role in regulating indoor temperatures by efficiently circulating air, eliminating stale air, and introducing fresh air from the outside. This holistic approach to temperature control reduces the reliance on heating during the colder months while facilitating cool air circulation during the warmer evenings. As a result, your home remains well-sealed throughout the day, with minimal heat intrusion, promoting an optimal indoor environment that is both comfortable and energy-efficient. Financial Supports Available for Homeowners Seeking Home Energy Upgrades. Home energy upgrades can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many homeowners may be hesitant to make the jump. The good news is that there are a variety of grants and incentives available for those who are seeking to make their homes more energy efficient. Depending on your location and circumstances, you may be eligible for financial support such as the Better Energy Homes Scheme and Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme for low-income earners. Post a job with Onlinetradesmen to get competitive quotes from experienced and SEAI-registered professionals in your area. In addition, the SEAI Home Energy Grants offer financial support towards home insulation and heating upgrades so you can make your home more energy efficient without having to break the bank. The list below shows available Individual Energy Upgrade Grants for homeowners. Remember to obtain grant approval before beginning any work. # Grant Name Property Type Grant Value 1 Attic Insulation Apartment €800 Mid-Terrace €1,200 Semi-Detached or end of Terrace €1,300 Detached House €1,500 2 Cavity Wall Insulation Apartment €700 Mid-Terrace €800 Semi-Detached or end of Terrace €1,200 Detached House €1,700 3 Internal Insulation (Dry-lining) Apartment €1,500 Mid-Terrace €2,000 Semi-Detached or end of Terrace €3,500 Detached House €4,500 4 External Wall Insulation (House Wrap) Apartment €3,000 Mid-Terrace €3,500 Semi-Detached or end of Terrace €6,000 Detached House €8,000 5 SEAI Heating Controls Upgrade €700 6 Solar Water Heating Grant (Homes built and occupied before 2021) €1,200 7 Air To Water Heat Pump System Apartment (any) €4,500 Mid-Terrace/Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached House €6,500 8 Ground Source to Water heat pump system Apartment (any) €4,500 Mid-Terrace/Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached House €6,500 9 Exhaust Air to Water heat pump system Apartment (any) €4,500 Mid-Terrace/Semi-Detached/End of Terrace/Detached House €6,500 10 Solar PV €900 per kWp up to 2kWp *This equates to €1800 for 2kWp solar panels €300 for every additional kWp up to 4kWp * This equates to €2100 for 3kWp solar panels €2400 for 4kWp solar panels €2400 max 11 Mechanical ventilation €1,500 Where to Get Professional Assistance for Home Energy Upgrades When considering home energy upgrades, it can be challenging to determine the starting point. Fortunately, Onlinetradesmen has a range of energy efficiency professionals registered with our service who can provide expert advice and assistance for the installation of renewable sources like heat pumps, solar water heating panels, and solar PV systems. Obtaining a BER assessment is highly recommended as it offers guidance on the most effective energy efficiency upgrades, identifies areas for improvement, and provides information on available grants in your area. Post a job on Onlinetradesmen to connect with qualified professionals for home energy upgrades, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your home. By making the move to upgrade your home's energy efficiency, you can ensure that you enjoy a comfortable living space all year round while reducing your energy consumption and carbon footprint. The financial savings combined with the environmental benefits make investing in an energy upgrade a sustainable solution for climate change and cost savings. With the right professional support, you can make home energy upgrades that are tailored to your budget and lifestyle, so start your journey today! Trustpilot Trade Profile: Introducing Greg Egar of Howth Decor Your Perfect Floor: Why You Should Hire a Professional Flooring Installer Print 209 Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.