The objective here is to minimise unnecessary heating of hot water for use in sinks, showers, baths and appliances by considering the amount of hot water needed and when it is required and by determining the most efficient use of your central heating systems and immersion heaters.
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| | | | | Essential Tip- Evaluate your routine of hot-water demand, i.e., when you need hot water and how much you need, and adjust the timer settings. If you use an immersion heater or central heating to heat your water, adjust the length of time they are used per day, i.e., 1 hour in the morning and 2 hours in the evening, depending on your needs.
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- If your hot water is being heated by the central-heating boiler and your hot-water cylinder has a thermostat, you should set the thermostat to 65 °C.
- Make sure your immersion thermostat is working correctly. (Have an electrician check this for you.)
- Prioritise use of the shower over a bath. A typical shower uses only 20% of the energy of a full bath.
- Never leave a hot tap running unnecessarily.
- Ensure your hot-water cylinder is properly lagged. A lagging jacket will keep the water hotter for longer.
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| Below are examples of the energy savings made during the Power of One Street campaign which worked with a number of families around the country as they reduced their energy consumption, and who were able to make significant savings by applying the energy tips and by changing their behaviour. | | | | The Horler FamilyA family of five, living in a detached, cavity wall house, built in 2004.
Step 2: Domestic Hot Water- Energy Reduction = 22%
- CO2 Reduction = 0.9 tonnes
- Cash Saving = €170 per year
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| | | | | The Crowley FamilyA family of three, living in a detached bungalow, solid block house, built in the 1970s.
Step 2: Domestic Hot Water- Energy Reduction = 25%
- CO2 Reduction = 0.49 tonnes
- Cash Saving = €102 per year
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| | | | | Immersion heater timerBy installing an immersion-heater timer, it allows the householder to set the immersion to come on for the minimum length of time necessary to ensure that you have just enough hot water for washing, bathing and washing up. Usually this means having it come on for a short time in the early morning and evening.
Lagging jacketThe hot-water cylinder should always have a lagging jacket to minimise heat loss and to keep the water hotter for longer; it will pay for itself in just 2–3 months. It is better still if the water cylinder has factory-applied insulation.
Cylinder thermostatIf the hot water is being heated by the central-heating boiler, you should fit a cylinder thermostat to moderate the temperature of the water. | | | | |
Grants may be available if you are upgrading your boiler or heating controls.
For more information visit the SEI Grants Section. | |
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