Energy saving in your home

Saving energy in your home can not only reduce your energy bills, but also reduce your impact on the environment. In this article, we look at three key areas of home energy saving: the use of heat pumps, smart EV charging, and some general energy saving tips.

Heat pumps for energy-efficient heating

Heat pumps have become increasingly popular as an energy-efficient heating solution for homes. They utilise thermodynamic principles to move heat from a colder place to a warmer one, making them much more energy efficient than traditional heating systems such as oil furnaces or electric heaters. A heat pump can contribute to significantly lower energy costs and a more sustainable heating of your home.

Tips to maximise the efficiency of your heat pump:

• Correct dimensioning: Choose a heat pump that fits the size of your home. An oversized or undersized unit can lead to inefficient heating and higher costs.
• Regular maintenance: Perform regular maintenance, including changing filters, cleaning fans and checking for leaks.
• Programmable thermostat or smart thermostats: Use a programmable or smart thermostat to control the temperature efficiently. Smart thermostats can also learn your habits and help optimise energy consumption.
• Insulation and sealing: Good insulation and proper sealing of the home reduces heat loss and increases heat pump efficiency.
• Zone heating: Divide your home into zones and adjust the temperature as needed. This reduces energy consumption by avoiding heating unused rooms.

Do you need to upgrade your heating system? See more about our heat pump options.

Tips for smarter EV charging at home

EV charging at home can be done both efficiently and sustainably by following a few simple tips. Optimising EV charging is important to extend battery life and reduce charging costs.

• Use a smart charger: Invest in a smart charger that can charge your car at times of lower electricity prices and lower load on the grid.
• Leave overnight: Charging at night, when electricity consumption is lower, can result in lower electricity prices and reduced load on the power grid.
• Solar charging: If you have solar panels, use self-produced solar energy for EV charging. This both lowers costs and reduces your carbon footprint.
• Avoid charging to 100 %: Unless you are planning a long drive, you should avoid charging the battery to 100 % as this may shorten the battery life.
• Avoid unnecessary fast charging: Use fast charging only when necessary, as it can be less energy efficient and reduce battery life.

Interested in upgrading your EV charger? See our options here.

Other energy saving tips for your home

In addition to heat pumps and electric car charging, there are many other measures that can help you save energy in your home:

• Switched to LED lighting: LED lights use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Disconnect electronics: Unplug chargers, appliances and electronics that are not in use to prevent phantom power consumption.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Energy Star rated appliances use less energy and can reduce your electricity bill.
• Optimise water heating: Reduce the temperature of the water heater to save energy and costs.
• Energy monitoring: Use smart energy meters or energy monitoring systems to gain insight into your energy consumption and identify where you can save more.
• Use of natural light: Utilise natural daylight as much as possible to reduce the need for electric lighting.
• Ventilation with heat recovery: Install balanced ventilation with heat recovery to reduce energy losses from ventilation while maintaining good air quality.

Frequently asked questions about energy saving in the home

• Why are heat pumps energy efficient? Heat pumps use thermodynamic principles to move heat, making them far more efficient than traditional heating systems.
• How can I maximise the battery life of my electric car? Use a smart charger, avoid charging to 100 % unless necessary, and limit fast charging to protect the battery.
• What are the easiest ways to save energy at home? Switch to LED lighting, unplug unused electronic devices and make sure your home is well insulated to minimise heat loss.