The long-awaited return of DIY SOS has arrived on RTÉ, with the launch of the third series airing this Sunday 26th March. Proving its commitment to supporting Irish communities, the SSE Airtricity Generation Green Home Upgrade team are on duty this series to assist presenter Baz Ashmawy and his team of building specialists. Along with volunteers and suppliers, the team travel across Ireland to help rebuild lives upgrading homes in just nine days.
The popular series features families based in Cork, Athlone, Ennis and Sligo. As Ireland's largest supplier of green energy*, SSE Airtricity is on hand each week to provide expert guidance and best practices when it comes to lowering carbon emissions with energy upgrades in each home.
The Generation Green Home Upgrades programme is SSE Airticity's innovative 'one stop shop’ of energy upgrade solutions, aimed at supporting homeowners on their journey to reduce their carbon footprint at home. Home energy upgrades can improve the BER (Building Energy Rating) of your home, helping you to save on energy usage. The improvement of your BER rating can also increase the overall value of your home.
What’s involved in a Generation Green Home Upgrade?
There are lots of ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You could start by using energy efficient lighting, replacing windows and doors, insulating your attic or walls, or even installing solar panels but it can be difficult to know what solution suits your home. A Generation Green Home Upgrade assessment is a good place to start. But first, the BERWOW Home Upgrade Calculator will give you an idea of what your home needs, it’s simple to use and free. Let’s look at the solutions that may be suggested.
Insulation
For homeowners, your first consideration should be the reduction of heat loss when improving the performance of your home energy and tackling wasted energy. This can be achieved through various forms of insulation, such as roof insulation which combats the rise of hot air that can then escape through the ceiling. The roof accounts for 30% of all heat loss in the home, while walls are responsible for 25%**. Wall insulation can be both internal and external, again preventing heat loss through measures which involve fixing specialised insulation material to the walls or injecting it directly into the walls to plug the weaker spots. Similarly, windows and doors can be privy to pesky draughts, accounting for up to 10% of heat loss** which means higher running costs to heat your home as escaping air puts an increased reliance on heating. Adding new windows and doors with double glazing and airtight seals can reduce heat loss, minimise outside noise and even add value to your home, so it’s a win-win.
Solar Panels
The addition of solar panels can see you saving up to 50% per annum on electricity bills and can supply 70% of your home’s hot water requirements, as well as lowering its carbon emissions. *** Thanks to the advancements in solar technology in recent years, it’s an entirely feasible option, even in the temperamental Irish weather conditions. Contrary to popular belief, general daylight will suffice for energy absorption, whether the sun shines or not.
Heat Pumps
An economic electricity-generated option, heat pumps provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. They can be used to replace existing oil or gas boilers in well-insulated homes and allow you to take a hands-on approach to heating your home with fully controllable options. Although the installation of a heat pump can initially be quite a costly measure, the expense will prove its worth in years to come. It’s one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home, plus it’s low maintenance, quiet, can improve air quality within the home, and there are grants available for installation in Ireland.
EV Charging
If you’ve already jumped aboard the electric car way of life or are contemplating its benefits, you may consider adding a charging point in your home at some point. SSE Airtricity provides 100% green energy* that will continue to reduce your carbon emissions and add convenience to your day-to-day life. There are SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) grants available which can help lower installation costs, too. You can get a free quote to see if it’s a cost-effective option for you.
Considering a home upgrade?
If you're considering a home upgrade, learn more today about SSE Airtricity’s Generation Green Home Upgrade. You can also use the BERWOW Home Upgrade Calculator to find recommendations for your home in minutes.
*Largest provider of 100% green energy supplied to homes and businesses based on Electricity Market Share by total GWh for the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 combined. Figures published by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in their most recent Annual Energy and Water Monitoring Reports and annual Fuel Mix Disclosure and CO2 Emissions for the years 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
** Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland: BER Savings & Comfort Tool Link: https://www.seai.ie/home-energy/home-upgrades/
*** Save up to 50% on your energy bills based on CRU typical home energy usage of 4,200kWh. Activ8 solar PV systems generate an estimated 1,600 to 6,650kWhrs per annum. Up to 50% is based on an average usage of 2,100kWh. Up to 70 - 80% saving may be made depending on customers usage and system size.