With energy costs a constant concern for households across Ireland, making your home more energy efficient is one of the smartest investments you can make. A more efficient home isn't just cheaper to run, it’s more comfortable and better for the environment too.
The good news is that improving your home's efficiency doesn't have to mean a full-scale renovation. From quick, low-cost changes to larger upgrades backed by government grants, there's something every homeowner can do. Here's how to get started.
What are the best ways to make your home energy efficient? Whether you're looking for simple wins or planning a bigger upgrade, these tips will help you cut your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Improve your insulation Heat loss is one of the biggest reasons Irish homes are expensive to run, and a huge amount of it escapes through the walls, roof and floors. Attic insulation is often the cheapest and most effective place to start, while wall and floor insulation can make an even bigger difference over time. If you're not sure where to begin, it's worth checking whether your home needs a retrofit and what your options are.
2. Upgrade your heating system An old and inefficient boiler could be costing you far more than it needs to. Upgrading to a modern, high-efficiency boiler, or switching to a renewable option like a heat pump, can significantly reduce your energy use. Simple controls like a smart thermostat and individual radiator valves also help, letting you heat only the rooms you're using, only when you need them.
3. Consider solar panels Solar power has become an increasingly popular choice for Irish homes, allowing you to generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid. With generous grants available and the option to sell excess electricity back to the grid, the payback period is shorter than many people expect. Our guide to solar power for your home retrofit walks you through everything you need to know.
4. Seal draughts and improve airtightness Draughts around doors, windows, letterboxes and floorboards let warm air escape and cold air in. Draught excluders, weather stripping and sealant are inexpensive fixes that can make a noticeable difference to how warm your home feels. Just remember that good ventilation matters too. The aim is to reduce unwanted draughts while still allowing your home to breathe. Our article on insulation, ventilation and airtightness explains how to strike the right balance.
5. Switch to energy-efficient lighting and appliances Replacing old bulbs with LED lighting is one of the quickest, cheapest changes you can make as LEDs use far less electricity and last much longer. When it's time to replace appliances like your fridge, washing machine or dishwasher, look for a high energy rating, as these use considerably less power over their lifetime.
6. Improve your BER rating Your Building Energy Rating (BER) tells you how energy efficient your home is on a scale from A to G. Many of the upgrades above will improve your rating, which not only makes your home cheaper to run but can also add value if you ever decide to sell. A better BER can bring another benefit too and it may even help lower your premium. Find out whether a good BER rating can reduce your home insurance cost.
7. Take advantage of government grants Through the SEAI, homeowners can access grants covering a significant portion of the cost of energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, heat pumps and solar panels. Schemes such as the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme have made these improvements more affordable than ever. Before you start any major work, it's worth checking whether you need planning permission for sustainable home upgrades, as some changes may require it.
8. Decide between a shallow and a deep retrofit If you're planning several upgrades, it's worth thinking about your overall approach. A shallow retrofit tackles individual improvements one at a time, while a deep retrofit transforms your home's efficiency in one coordinated project. Our guide on shallow vs deep retrofit will help you decide which is right for you.
Compare home insurance quotes Making your home more energy efficient is a fantastic way to cut your bills, boost comfort and increase the value of your property. And once you've invested in those improvements, it's worth making sure your home is properly protected too. Remember, at Quote Devil we quickly compare different insurers on the market to find you the best deal on home insurance. Get protected from fire, theft, storms, floods or any other unforeseen event that damages or destroys your home and its contents.
Try our home insurance quote now to browse and buy your next home insurance policy.
