Solar heating works by capturing the suns heat through Solar Panels, either flat panels or evacuated tubes, and uses this free energy to heat up the water in your home.

In Ireland heating water is the second largest energy use in the average home and by using this clean renewable energy source, not only is it good for the environment by reducing our consumption of conventional fossil fuels, lowering our emissions of greenhouse gases but solar water heating saves you money and is fast becoming the number one alternative energy solution.

Installing a Solar Panel Water Heating System will provide you with between 60% and 70% of your annual hot water needs (less in winter, more in summer) and now with the current generous Grants offered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) through the “Greener Homes Scheme”, there has never been a better time to reduce your heating cost and your carbon footprint.

How do Solar Panels work?

 

Geo Thermal – Heat Pumps 
Geo Thermal is heat generated from the ground as almost everywhere below the earth’s surface the upper 10 feet maintain a constant temperature of 10°C and 16°C. To obtain this heat from the ground, a system of pipes either vertical or horizontal are buried in the ground. A water based solution is circulated through the pipes and this heat is extracted via a heat exchanger or geothermal unit. This heat is then transferred to under floor heating, radiators or into your water cylinder. This is basically free heat from the ground although there is a small cost associated with the electricity to run the pumps and heat exchanger. In warmer climates a geothermal heating system can work in reverse and cool the house. Alternatively heat can now be extracted from both air and water in a similar fashion via a heat exchanger.

For more information on geothermal heating systems contact eirgreen today.

Biomass Energy

Biomass is the fuel used to generate heat, electricity or for the manufacture of biofuel and is made from renewable energy sources such as farm waste, forestry waste, saw dusts and from crops especially grown for biomass production. Biomass fuel is cheaper than traditional fossil fuels and biomass crops can be re-grown again in a short period either annually or every couple of years. For home heating a wood pellet boiler or wood chip boiler is a popular choice and used compressed saw dust or wood chips. These Biomass Energy Systems can be self cleaning and the only by-product is ash which is reused again for the garden as a fertiliser. A gasification system is also available which can practically burn farm waste to heat the homes. These biomass heaters come in all sizes to fit the individual needs.

Contact eirgreen today to learn more about this clean affordable renewable energy source to heat your home.

Energy Tips – Electricity Saving

Being more energy efficient is not only good for the environment but it also saves you money in your pocket. We have all seen increases in our electricity bills and by following these electricity saving tips you can reduce your bills.

1. Replace old traditional bulbs with energy saving ones.  These bulbs only use 20% of the traditional bulbs
2. Unplug all electrical items when not in use especially the mobile phone charger
3. Wash clothes at 30°c and always ensure a full load in the washing machine
4. Set the dishwasher to the lowest setting and always put on full loads
5. When possible use the clothes line instead of the tumble dryer
6. Do not overfill the kettle and only boil the quantity of water needed
7. Turn off lights when leaving rooms
8. Do not leave electrical units on standby as they still consume electricity
9. When replacing electrical appliances, always look at the energy rating and try to purchase ‘A’ rated products when possible
10. Upgrade your fridge. An old fridge uses 64% more electric than a modern efficient one

Energy Tips – Heating and Insulation 

Heating your home is the most expensive bill for any householder and it is important that the heat you have in the home stays there to ensure a level of warmth and comfort for everyone.  You are paying for heating your home and not the locality. The following tips will help you to save on your energy bills and save you money.

1. Turn the thermostat down by 1°C. This can save 10% off your heating bill. The living room should be 21°c and the rest of the house a comfortable 18°c
2. Turn off the heat at night and during the day when you are not at home. Set the timer to turn the heat on 30 mins before come home or when you get up in the morning and the same at night to turn off 30 mins before you go to bed. It doesn't take more energy to heat your home in the morning than it does to keep it heated all night
3. Ensure the hot water cylinder tank has a lagging jacket and it pays for itself in 2-3 months
4. Make sure all heating systems are properly serviced every year to maintain maximum fuel efficiency
5. Keep doors closed between heated and unheated rooms
6. Use timers and programmes for heat control especially when using the immersion heater
7. Draught proof all doors and windows
8. Use curtains and blinds around windows to maintain heat inside
9. Fit radiator foil reflectors to external radiator walls
10. Make sure attic insulation is the correct size and is professionally fitted.
11. Consider renewable energies to be incorporated in to the home like a solar water heating system that can reduce your heating costs by 60% or when replacing an old existing heating system fit renewable energy heating systems like biomass and geothermal. For more information go to Solar Panels, Biomass, Geothermal
12. Put rugs on bare timber floors to keep your feet warm as if your feet are cold your whole body will be cold

Energy Tips – Motoring 

The combustion engine is a major contributor to our CO₂ emissions and air pollution. We all need to get around and the burning of petrol and diesel in our cars, vans and trucks is all part of our daily lives. These fuels are costly and are not a renewable source and will eventually run out, but until the new technologies of hybrid vehicles, electric cars and bio fuel is widespread and affordable to everyone the following tips will make for proper eco-driving.

1. When purchasing a car look at fuel consumption or the CO₂ emissions. This will not only save you money on fuel but also on yearly road tax
2. When driving, get into the highest gear possible as this reduces RPM and saves fuel
3. Do not accelerate fast and brake hard as this burns more fuel and wares out consumables on the vehicle quicker. Gradually build speed and gradually reduce speed
4. Motorway speeds are designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Stay within these speed limits and save fuel and also it is the law
5. Check tyre pressure regularly and keep it even on all four tyres
6. Like a heating system in a house ensure the vehicle is routinely serviced and maintained for better fuel economy and efficiency
7. Do not carry unnecessary weight in the booth or take off a roof rack if only used in the summer, as this leads to increased drag and higher fuel costs
8. Use the heating and air conditioning system moderately as this also has a bearing on fuel economy
9. Close front windows as this increases the drag on the vehicle and as a result uses more fuel
10. When stopped in traffic, railway crossings or sitting talking to friends turn off the engine
11. Where possible walk or cycle on short journeys instead of using the car. This not only saves you money but the exercise and fresh air is good for our health
12. Car pooling, although big in other countries is an option as you are taking a vehicle(s) off the road, saving money and reducing pollution

Energy Tips – Renewable Energy 

Renewable Energy is the buzz word and people freely speak of it like its going out of fashion. Fossil fuels, oil and gas are not a renewable source so eventually this expensive precious source will run out. As regards to renewables these are replaced every year or couple of years as in solar energy is a constant free energy. The advantages of renewables are endless, not only on their cost but also on zero impact on the environment.

Over the next couple of years the sight of solar panels on roofs of house will be the norm, as householders tap into this cost saving energy source. The replacement of oil and gas burners with more efficient systems with renewable energies such as heat pumps or pellet stoves is already largely being installed in all new buildings. The future looks bright indeed for addressing global warming, reducing our greenhouse gases and having a cleaner and sustainable future.

Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment and start by contacting eirgreen today to see the different ways of saving on your heating bills, cutting down on pollution and securing a more cleaner future for the next generation.

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