DIY Heating Savings: Reduce Bills with Simple Projects

Here’s‍ a ⁣breakdown of the energy-saving tips from the provided text, categorized for clarity:

1. Sealing Drafts‍ (Small, Quick Wins)

* ⁤ Pipes: Use expanding foam ⁣to fill gaps around pipes ‍where they enter/exit external walls. This prevents heat loss,draughts,and pests (like mice).
* Skirting Boards: ⁣ Check for draughts around‍ skirting boards on external walls. Seal gaps with caulk or silicone sealant.

2. Wall Insulation⁣ (Moderate Investment, Good Return)

* Cavity Walls (Most homes built 1960s-1980s): Insulating cavity walls is⁢ highly recommended. Polystyrene beads are pumped in through small drilled holes. it’s relatively inexpensive and has quick payback.
* Cost (Mid-Terrace): ⁢€1,100. Grant: €800 (70%+ coverage)
‍ * Cost (Semi-Detached): €1,500.Grant: €1,200 (80% coverage)
* External wall Insulation: Very ⁣effective, but expensive.
* Cost (semi-Detached): €23,300. Grant: €6,000
* Internal Wall Insulation: Also effective, but requires more work⁢ (removing skirting, door frames, etc.).
* Cost (Semi-Detached): €10,500. Grant: €3,500

3. Chimney (Significant Heat Loss)

* Problem: Chimneys act as a “heat Hoover,”⁤ drawing ⁣warm air out of the room. Can account for 10%+ of heat loss.
* Solution: Use ⁣a chimney balloon (under⁢ €50) to create a physical ⁢barrier, preventing draughts and heat loss.It’s easily removable if you want to use the fireplace.

4. temperature control

* ⁣ The article begins to discuss setting thermostats, but the text is ⁣cut⁤ off before completing⁤ this section.

Key Takeaways:

* Grants are available: ⁤ Significant‍ grants (70-80%) can cover a large portion of the cost of ⁣wall insulation.
* Prioritize walls: ⁣ Walls are a major source of heat loss (30-35%).
* Small steps matter: Sealing drafts around pipes and skirting boards are⁢ easy and‍ inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency.
* Chimneys are problematic: If you don’t use your chimney, block it⁢ off.