In recent weeks, we’ve experienced the coldest weather conditions in almost 30 years. In homes across the country, people shivered their way through the cold snap. Home heating was on 24 hour call as temperatures dipped below zero. Many people who felt that their homes were not adequately insulated to protect them against the elements are now considering making the necessary improvements.

Homeowners should consider Sustainable Energy Ireland’s Home Energy Saving scheme which provides a great example of how you can save money by insulating your home. With the annual household energy bill running at close to €1800, SEI claims that savings of up to 30% can be made once the proper measures are in place. Although their is a significant initial outlay, these can be partially offset by the generous grants which are in place so the investment should pay for itself within a few short years.

What is the Home Energy Saving scheme?

The Home Energy Saving scheme provides grants to homeowners who are interested in improving the energy efficiency of their home. Homeowners stand to make considerable savings by reducing energy use. The scheme also minimises adverse environmental effects such as greenhouse gas emissions.

Who can apply?

The scheme is open to all owners of existing houses built before 2006. You can apply for the grant a number of times.

Applicants must acquire a Building Energy Rating (BER) before availing of the grant scheme. The standard fee for a BER examination is €200. A BER certificate is necessary to determine the extent of energy saving measures required.

Moreover, in order to be eligible for the grant, homeowners must intend to make improvements amounting to a minimum of €500. That figure may seem steep but when you calculate the money to be saved, as well as value you are adding to your home, the cost is certainly worthwhile.

What type of home improvements can be made?

If you secure a grant, you can invest in energy efficiency improvements including roof insulation, wall insulation, high efficiency boilers, heating control upgrades and building energy ratings. The lowest grant available is €250 for improved attic insulation. The largest single grant is a €4,000 contribution to work on external wall insulation.

How much will I have to pay minus the grant?

NET cost will be determined by the energy efficient measures undertaken and your contractor. Estimated figures indicate that grants will cover 30% of the cost for a typical suburban home.

Energy Smart Community

The average Irish household spends nearly €1,800 every year on energy resources. Codema, a non profit sustainable energy agency, has introduced a money saving scheme that can benefit every household in your community.

The Energy Smart Community programme works on the basic idea that by bringing homeowners together as a cluster, they can save money on their overall energy bills. 40-50 houses would make an ideal cluster. Homeowners must apply individually but contract work will take place in the community at the same time.

While Codema acts as facilitator between the contractor and the homeowner, the homeowner is the main benefactor. The agency estimate that homeowners could save up to 45% by availing of the Home Energy Saving scheme alongside their neighbours. At present, the scheme is confined to Dublin. Contact Codema for further information.

Tags: energy efficient, energy savings

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 18th, 2010 at 3:29 pm and is filed under Family Spending, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.