McConnon Energy Rating can advise you on the most cost effective way improving your Building Energy Rating (BER) through insulation, efficient heating systems and controls and renewable and alternative heating systems.
Below are some simple tips on how to achieve a high Energy Rating. Should you wish a tailored Energy Audit for your home please e-mail us at info@mcconnonenergyrating.ie.
BER Tips:
- Insulation: Maximise the level of insulation in the property – the walls, roof and floor areas should all be examined.
- Low Energy Lighting: Replacing existing light with low energy efficient lighting is a simple cost effective way of reducing consumption.
- Efficient heating systems and controls: By installing a good quality, energy efficient boiler with controls. A boiler that is 97% efficient will have a better rating than a standard boiler that would be 79% efficient. Good controls (time, temperature and zone control) will ensure a boiler is only operating where and when it required within the property will yield significant gains in energy efficiency.
- Ventilation Systems: Heat loss through the ventilation system can play a major role in the energy efficiency of a property. By upgrading the standard ventilation system to a Heat Recovery system for example would help heat loss by using the warm stale air being expelled from the building to heat the fresh air coming in.
- Solar Heating: The installation of Solar Panel on the south facing roof will assist in the energy efficiency of heating water throughout the building. Depending on the property, 4 to 6 metres squared of solar panel are generally used and a large insulated hot water storage tank (approx. 300 litres). Solar Panels have a long payback time but are reliable and have last a long time.
- Efficiency of fires and stoves: different types of fires and stoves have different levels energy efficiency. Below are different options and typical energy efficiencies:
- Closed Gas Fire (72%)
- Wood Pellet Stove (65%)
- Open Gas Fire (63%)
- Condensing Gas Fire (85%)
- Open fire in grate (32%)
