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House 2 Home

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Top Tips for a warm home this winter

As the evenings start becoming a little shorter and we enter Autumn many of us are turning our heating on for the first time in months. Ensuring you have a warm home can be a costly affair, especially if you are losing some of that heat through poor insulation. Fear not, we have put together a list of top tips to help you keep your home warm through the winter:

Set a timer for central heating

Timed central heating isn’t a new technology. Most systems can be pre set so that your heating comes on when you really need it. If you want to go one step further than this zoned heating and a smart thermostat are brilliant solution. Just set it to your optimal temperature and you can forget about fiddling with your central heating. A permanently toastie solution!

Insulation is key

If your home isn’t properly insulated, heat will leak from the windows and walls. That’s heat that you are paying for! A house needs a jacket and a hat. First you put on the jacket by adding insulation to the walls. Top that off with a hat by insulating the attic. This is a great way to save on heating bills.

Your hot water cylinder a jacket too

Make sure that you have a lagging jacket on your hot water tank. Wrap it up to keep your water warm for longer and conserve energy.

Invest in some rugs

The floor can be the coldest surface in your home if you have wood or tiles. A nice thick rug will absorb heat, reduce echo and add some much needed comfort, especially during winter months.

Replace your Boiler

A new boiler will increase your energy efficiency and save you money in the long run. If you couple a new boiler with heating controls there is also a grant available of up to 30% of the cost. This is a sound investment that will give you added peace of mind heading towards chillier times!

Thick Curtains

There are some simple rules to follow with curtains. Choose a nice thick material to improve heat conservation. You should keep curtains open during the day to let natural sunlight in, this will produce some free heat. At night time make sure to close the curtains to eliminate any draughts.

The old faithful

If all else fails grab yourself a hot water bottle and a blanket and curl up on the couch. Unfortunately this will get old very quickly.

If you would like to speak to one of our home heating specialists get in touch today. We can offer advise on grant funding and energy solutions that will have a positive impact on your pocket, the environment and your temperature.

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FAQ : What is a combi boiler?

It’s very important to keep your boiler up to date. Especially heading into the colder winter months. In Ireland there are grants available for updating your heating controls, which is something we always recommend alongside boiler installations. If you begin shopping around it can be easy to get confused about your options. The most efficient choice you cam make is a gas combi boiler but for those homes that are well suited to energy from oil we also stock and fit modern boilers.

What is a combi boiler?

A ‘combi’ boiler is simply a boiler that combines two functions. The boiler will power both your central heating and your hot water supply. When you use a boiler the days of having to set the immersion before you have a shower are gone. This also means you never have to worry about leaving it on again! Installing a combi boiler in place of an older system will save you money, space and energy. There will also be a great impact on your carbon footprint.

Is there a grant for a combi boiler in Ireland?

At the moment the short answer to this question is no. However there is a grant available for zoned heating controls. Zoned heating controls add extra functionality to your boiler. Your heating system is split into two zones – heating and water. There is little point wasting energy on heating water if you only want heat your radiators. With the added benefit of smart heating controls you can mage your system from anywhere in the world.

What are the benefits of a combi boiler?

  • You will save money on your energy bills.
  • Combi Boilers are better for the environment.
  • Couple with zoned heating for full control.
  • Stay cosy through winter with piece of mind.
  • Hot water on demand.
  • Clean and easy to install.

How do I get a combi boiler installed?

At House 2 Home we have conducted home energy upgrades for thousands of clients across Ireland. Our experts will asses your home and need for a new boiler. We can also recommend tips on further insulation, grant applications and home improvement. Talk to our team today and take the fist step towards a cheaper, greener future!

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6 Reasons to ivest in a Solar PV system

Solar energy is the future. There’s lots of great reasons why you should install a Solar PV system in your home today. Did you know that Sunlight travels the 90 million miles to Earth in 10 minutes? For years we have used the sun to dry our clothes, now it’s time to use it to power our homes. Here’s our top 6 reasons to go solar:

1. Save Money on Energy Bills

According to the SEAI installing solar panels could save you big money on your electricity bills. This is because you will be producing your own electricity from the power of the sun. You can also install a battery to store any excess energy you use, giving you access to free energy 24 hours a day.

2. Become an early adopter to energy technology

Although Solar power was invented in the 1950’s it’s still a relatively new solution for domestic home energy. Get ahead of the curve and take advantage of the savings. In Sweden Solar energy is growing year on year by 94%. The Irish government’s Climate Action plan aims to allow you to sell excess energy back to the national grid by 2022. Invest now and you’ll recoup your investment quicker!

3. There are grants available for Solar

If your home was built prior to to 2011 there are grants of up to €3000 available for installing a solar PV system. At House 2 Home we don’t just install your solar panels. We will also help you with your grant application. These grants may only be available for a limited time, so take advantage of them now.

4. Help to protect the Environment

Climate change one of the biggest challenges facing society and our planet in the 21st century. We need to act together as a global community to combat this. Installing solar panels will reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels. This is very helpful to the environment.

5. It’s quick and easy to install

Our energy experts will install your Solar panels and hget you up and running in just a day or two. The job is a clean and quick install that will start making a difference to your energy bills and the environment straightaway.

6. It’s perfect for Irish weather

There is a common misconception that Solar panels don’t work unless the sun is blazing hot. This is false, in fact too much direct heat can damage panels. Solar PV works through light, not heat. The Irish weather is perfect of this money saving technology.

For more information  on any of our products or services please contact the home energy specialists.

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How to Improve your BER

If you want a cosier warmer home you may need to improve your BER (Building Energy Rating). The good news is that this will also save you money on your energy bills and help reduce carbon emissions. Optimising the performance of your home energy system will also increase the value of your property in some cases.  But how do you do it?

How is a BER calculated?

A BER is calculated based on an assessment of your building’s energy rating. This takes into account the actual energy performance and the associated carbon dioxide emmissions in the dwelling. Areas that are assessed include heating, insulation, ventialtion and dimensions. It is important to note that BER dows not take into account electricity used for purposes other than heating, lighting pumps and fans.

How can I improve BER ?

There are a number of works you can carry out to improve BER. Here is a list of some improvements your home may benefit from. :

Windows

Old windows can be a big issue as they allow heat to escappe through them and draughts eneter your home. You should have modern double glazed windows.

Doors

The same goes for doors. Modern doors do a far better job at sealing heat into your home.

Insulation

You should have the exterior walls of your home and your attic insulated to modern standars. Read all about insulation options here.

Heating Controls

Heating controls will help you ensure that you are only using energy when you actually need it. Smart heating controls can even connect to your smartphone!

House 2 Home is a one stop shop for these works. Many energy improvements are part of a grant scheme by the SEAI. Talk to our experts today to see how we can help improve BER.

Not quite ready for bigger jobs but want to reduce your carbon emissions? Check out our top energy saving tips.

For more information on any of our products or services please contact our team of experts today.