Home energy upgrades
There are 3 elements to upgrading your home to reduce energy costs and make the home more comfortable.
1. Upgrade the fabric of the building to reduce heat loss. This is the least expensive and by far the best value in terms of reduced costs and benefit to climate change action plan.
2. Replace fossil fuel heating with a Heat Pump to reduce cost and improve air quality and comfort. The health benefits over time are significant.
3. Install solar PV panels and/or solar Thermal panels. Solar PV systems in particular can give an investment return of over 15% per annum over 25 to 30 years.
Reduce Heat Loss
Most heat loss in the home occurs through the walls and the roof. Heat costs can be reduced by up to half by proper insulation using SEAI approved contractors. Payback could be as low as 1 year, but worst case 2 to 3 years.
Floor insulation can be costly and disruptive and in most cases is not recommended.
In many homes draughts contribute to heat loss and addressing this can be low cost. For example blocking unused chimneys, replacing worn seals in windows and doors.
Replacing old single glazed windows can save €200 to €300 per year on your heating bill. If the net cost of the windows is €6000 this equates to a payback of 20 to 30 years. If you are replacing double glazed windows with newer double glazed windows the payback period will of course be longer.