Saving energy in your home not only helps you have more money at the end of the month, it's also a way to contribute to the planet by reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions . Improving energy efficiency at home is easier than it seems and has an immediate impact on your well-being and your wallet.
Here are some of the most effective ways to achieve this:
Save on heating
Heating is one of the biggest sources of energy consumption in winter. However, you can significantly reduce its impact without sacrificing comfort:
- Adjust your thermostat: Keeping your home between 19°C and 21°C is ideal. Each degree above this can increase consumption by 7%. If you regularly keep your home at 23°C, you could be spending more than €150 extra per year on heating.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat: Even if you don't have one yet, it's an affordable investment that pays for itself quickly. It allows you to program schedules and optimize your heating usage.
- Improve insulation: Air leaks through poorly sealed doors and windows are responsible for a large portion of heat loss. Installing weatherstripping or switching to double-glazed windows can reduce heat loss by up to 30%.
Save on refrigeration
In summer, cooling can also increase energy consumption. These actions can help reduce it:
- Set your air conditioner between 24°C and 26°C. This is sufficient to maintain a comfortable temperature and avoid overloading the unit.
- Use fans: They're much more energy-efficient and, in many cases, sufficient to cool the room. A fan consumes 20 times less energy than an air conditioner. Perfect for days of moderate heat.
- Take advantage of natural ventilation: Open your windows during the coolest hours of the day to ventilate your home without the need for air conditioning.
- Control heat input: Close blinds or curtains during the sunniest hours to prevent the interior from overheating.
Spend less electricity and hot water
Small changes in habits and more efficient choices can significantly reduce your bills:
- Switch to LED bulbs: They use up to 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.
- Choose energy-efficient appliances: When upgrading your appliances, opt for models with an A++ or A+++ rating. Although the initial cost may be higher, the energy savings will pay for themselves in just a few years.
- Use appliances wisely: Make the most of every cycle in your washing machine, dishwasher, or dryer. Avoid half-load cycles.
Improves thermal insulation
Thermal insulation is one of the keys to an energy-efficient home. It reduces heat loss in winter and prevents heat gain in summer:
- Double-glazed windows: Essential for maintaining interior temperature with lower energy consumption.
- Insulation in walls and ceilings: If your home needs it, consider renovations that reinforce the insulation. These investments translate into comfort and sustained savings.
What if you want to go a step further?
If you're thinking about renovating your home to make it more energy efficient, there are financial products designed for you. Financial instruments are available that can help you improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort, whether you live in a single-family home or a residential building.
The addition of insulation systems to the building's envelope and roof and the introduction of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and aerothermal energy, combine savings and improved quality of life with a contribution to making our environment more sustainable and habitable.
Investing in energy efficiency isn't just an improvement for your home: it's a commitment to your well-being, your economy, and the future of the planet.
