Westmeath Community Development

Energy used in ordinary homes makes up a significant portion of Ireland’s national energy use and carbon emissions. Conserving energy in the home not only reduces fuel bills but also improves comfort and reduces harmful emissions.

Energy and environmental building specialist Patrick Daly (BESRaC), gives key advice on how to reduce your energy consumption and keep warmer this winter.

Heating is typically the largest energy use in a domestic context and measures to reduce heat losses should be first priority. Start examining options on improving the levels of insulation in the construction of the external walls, roofs and floors, as well as reducing air leaking in and out.

The attic is a good place to start. Most homes are insulated above the ceiling and this can usually be improved by additional insulation being laid out, within and over, the ceilings joists. Other options are to insulate within the pitched roof rafters, however care should be taken to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation in cold roof and vented constructions. Attic doors should be insulated and draught-proofed.

Depending on the type of wall construction various insulation methods can be taken, including internal insulation, blow or pump in cavity wall insulation, or external insulation for example.

Re-insulating solid ground floors is usually presents difficultly and expense with possible loss of floor height for example. Ventilated timber floors are easier to insulate via removal of floor boards and installation of insulation between joists. A breathable membrane can also improve the air tightness in these usually leaky raised timber floors.

When replacing windows choose units that are A rated, with high performance glazing and airtight assembly and components. Quality installation is also important as air leakage at the junctions to the walls needs to be fully sealed.

Air leakage points around the house can be identified and sealed. Typically these are around service pipe penetrations through the external walls and ceilings, attic doors, windows / doors, eaves and suspended floors. An air pressure test can be conducted to identify these.

Next in priority is the energy efficiency of the space and water heating systems. The efficiency of the main heating system can be improved by maintenance and servicing. Significant improvements are to be gained via replacement of old boilers, especially with specification of high efficiency gas or oil condensing boilers. However renewable energy sources and systems should be prioritised.

In addition to improving the efficiency of the main heating system one should also look at improvements in the controls and programming, which can bring increased efficiency and reduction in bills.

Following energy conservation and efficiency consideration renewable energy options should be examined with main heating should be first priority, with alternatives such as biomass (wood chip or pellet), geothermal being options. A  solar hot water system should be strongly considered considering the energy savings with 50-60% of typical annual hot water demands being met by this free energy source. Electrical energy generation is also an option to explore and may be feasible subject to site conditions, and can be achieved via either PV panels or a wind turbine.

Planning exemptions now exist for a range of renewable systems, but advise should be sought on this as some exemptions may not apply in certain areas.

Often overlooked is the fact that different people can use significantly different amounts of energy in the same houses with similar systems, main due to difference in behaviour. Learn about the energy systems in your house and how to manage them conservatively.

Financial support is currently available for improving and reducing energy consumption and related carbon emissions from SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland) via the ‘Greener Homes Scheme’ promoting alternative and renewable energy, and the ‘Home Energy Savings Scheme’ supporting insulation improvements and boiler replacement.

www.sei.ie

Advise and tips on conserving energy by managing home energy systems is available from the ‘Power of One’ campaign   www.powerofone.ie

Importantly one should always seek good professional advise when carrying out alterations or improvements to your home.

Westmeath Community Development will host a series of public meetings where information will be provided to the general public/ business sector by a specialist in renewable energy. Attendees will be shown opportunities to reduce their energy costs. These meetings will also provide rural communities with an opportunity to give their views and opinions on future local  renewable energy policy which Westmeath Community Development can use to influence its future actions.

The meeting will be held at 8p.m in

Irish Rural link , Clara Road, Moate               November 25th

Further information is available from Tony Mc Cormack at 044-9348571

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