Energy Saving Tips for Irish Households

Whether you’re looking to cut heating bills, reduce electricity usage, or simply make your home more comfortable, these energy-saving tips are designed with Irish households in mind.

This guide covers everything from lighting and insulation to heating systems and smart upgrades. It’s written in plain language, full of practical advice, and updated regularly to reflect the latest technologies, grant schemes, and expert insights.

Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is one of the simplest ways to reduce your electricity usage without changing your daily habits. In Irish homes, large appliances like fridge freezers, washing machines, and tumble dryers account for a significant portion of household energy consumption — especially in colder, wetter months when laundry can’t be dried outdoors.

When buying a new appliance, check the EU energy label. Appliances rated A, A+, or higher use considerably less power and often pay for themselves over time in reduced bills.

Even if your current appliances are still working, older models can be far less efficient. A 10-year-old fridge, for example, could be using double the electricity of a modern equivalent. Upgrading can lead to immediate savings.

• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Use eco modes where available
• Keep fridge temperatures at 3–5°C and freezers at -18°C for efficiency

Choosing better appliances isn’t just about the environment — it’s about long-term savings and fewer breakdowns. Whether you’re replacing an old tumble dryer or planning a full kitchen upgrade, energy efficiency should be at the top of your checklist.

Lighting makes up a surprising portion of a household’s electricity bill — especially during Ireland’s darker winter months. Replacing outdated bulbs with LEDs is one of the fastest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Lighting makes up a surprising portion of a household’s electricity bill — especially during Ireland’s darker winter months. Replacing outdated bulbs with LEDs is one of the fastest, most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

LEDs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs and last significantly longer. That means fewer replacements, lower bills, and less hassle.

Focus on high-use areas first — kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and outdoor lights. Switching just a few frequently used bulbs can lead to noticeable savings.

Incorporating timers, dimmers, and motion sensors allows even greater control over when and how lighting is used. Smart bulbs and lighting systems can be scheduled around your daily routine or controlled remotely — reducing energy waste and improving convenience.

Useful tips:

• Choose warm white LEDs (2700–3000K) for living spaces
• Use cool white LEDs (4000–5000K) for work areas or task lighting
• Consider motion sensors or timer switches for outdoor or hallway lights
• Dimmable LEDs can help reduce energy use further, especially in rooms where lighting needs vary

For older homes, upgrading to LEDs doesn’t require a full rewire — just a bulb change. It’s a quick win for energy savings and a brighter, more efficient home.

Ireland may not be known for constant sunshine, but solar energy can still play a valuable role in reducing household energy use. From solar panels to passive heating, there are smart ways to harness natural light and lower your electricity and heating bills.

Let the sun do the work:

Simple changes like opening curtains on bright days, especially on south-facing windows, can help naturally warm your home. Keep blinds and curtains open during daylight hours and closed at night to retain heat.

Consider solar PV panels:

Photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity from sunlight — even on cloudy days. With improved technology and SEAI grant support, more Irish homeowners are choosing to install solar panels to power appliances, heat water, and lower their grid dependency.

Thermal vs PV:

Solar thermal systems are used to heat water, while solar PV generates electricity. Both can cut bills, but PV tends to offer more flexibility, especially when paired with battery storage.

Low-cost options:

If a full solar install isn’t within budget, solar-powered lights, chargers, and attic fans are low-maintenance ways to start benefiting from renewable energy at home.

Ireland’s solar potential is better than many people think — and with the right setup, you can generate clean energy all year round, even in our greyest months.

Heating accounts for over 60% of energy use in the average Irish home, so small improvements can lead to big savings. From setting timers to zoning your heating, there are plenty of simple ways to use less energy while staying warm.

Quick Wins:

• Lower your thermostat by just 1°C — this can reduce heating bills by up to 10%
• Set timers so your heating only runs when needed
• Close doors to avoid heating unused rooms

Zoning your heating:

If your system allows it, separate your home into zones — for example, living areas vs bedrooms — and heat only the spaces you’re using. This avoids wasting energy and offers better comfort control.

Upgrade to a Combi Boiler

If your boiler is over 12 years old, it’s likely operating at much lower efficiency than modern models. A combi boiler (short for “combination boiler”) heats water on demand and eliminates the need for a separate hot water cylinder.

Why consider a combi boiler:

• Heats only the water you use — no standby heat loss
• Compact and ideal for smaller homes
• Can deliver significant savings on gas bills

Pairing a new boiler with smart heating controls gives you even greater energy efficiency and better control over your home’s comfort levels.

We recommend using only RGI-registered installers to ensure the job is carried out safely and to the highest standard.

Smart Meters and Energy Monitoring

Understanding where your energy goes is the first step to cutting back — and smart meters make this easier than ever. They give you real-time insight into your electricity use and help you spot energy-heavy habits before the bill arrives.

What is a smart meter?

Smart meters automatically track your electricity usage and send readings directly to your supplier. No more estimated bills or manual readings. They’re being rolled out across Ireland by ESB Networks as part of a national upgrade plan.

Benefits for households:

• See accurate, real-time energy usage
• Switch to time-of-use tariffs to save during off-peak hours
• Get more detailed bills with daily or hourly usage breakdowns

Take it a step further with monitoring tools:

Plug-in energy monitors or smart plugs can track individual appliances like fridges, dryers, or TVs. This can highlight which devices are silently draining power — even when they’re not in use.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint or simply cut back on monthly costs, smart meters and monitoring devices offer a clearer picture of how your home uses energy — and where you can save.

Many devices in Irish homes continue to use electricity even when they’re switched off — a phenomenon often called vampire power. TVs, game consoles, microwave clocks, and even phone chargers left plugged in can slowly add up on your energy bill.

What is standby power?

It’s the electricity used by appliances that remain plugged in and ready to power on, even if you’re not actively using them. This constant trickle of energy can cost the average household €100 or more per year.

Common culprits:

• TVs and soundbars
• Laptops and phone chargers
• Wi-Fi routers and printers
• Microwave and oven displays

How to reduce it:

• Unplug devices you’re not using regularly
• Use a power strip with a single switch to turn off multiple devices at once
• Consider smart plugs or timers for things like routers or gaming consoles

Cutting standby power is one of the easiest energy-saving wins — no major investment, no installation — just better habits and a few smart tweaks.

Hot water accounts for a large chunk of a household’s energy use — especially in homes with electric immersion heaters or older systems. Making a few small changes can lead to noticeable savings without sacrificing comfort.

Start with insulation:

• Fit a lagging jacket on your hot water cylinder if you don’t already have one — this alone can cut heat loss by over 50%
• Insulate hot water pipes, especially those in attics or unheated spaces

Control usage:

• Set your immersion on a timer so it only heats water when needed
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water system to around 60°C — hot enough to prevent bacteria, but not so hot it wastes energy
• Avoid leaving the immersion on continuously — “boost” settings are designed for short bursts

Upgrade fixtures:

• Install water-saving shower heads and aerators on taps
• Fix dripping hot taps — even a slow leak wastes both water and energy

Upgrade and maintain your system:

Even with good habits, an old or poorly maintained boiler can waste significant energy.

• Annual boiler servicing keeps your system running safely and efficiently
• A power flush can help remove sludge and improve circulation, especially in older systems
• If your boiler is over 12 years old, consider upgrading to a modern condensing or combi boiler — these models are far more efficient and eliminate the need to heat and store large volumes of water unnecessarily

Keeping your hot water system efficient and looking after your heating system ensures you’re not losing heat — or money — through inefficiency.