What are renewable energies?

Renewable energies are essentially energy resources that can be replenished by nature - as apposed to oil products that are becoming scarcer and more expensive. They include the sun, wind, biomass (like wood pellets), water and heat from the ground.

Common examples of renewable energy heating solutions are:

• solar panels
• geothermal heat pumps
• wood and pellet burners and boilers
• heat recovery systems

Why would I use them?

Renewable energies are much cheaper than traditional fuels and some are even completely free. That's one very good reason.

Renewable energy heating solutions produce much less carbon dioxide in their use. This is critical for the future of our planet and important for the sale of the house, because changes to Part L of the building regulations stipulate that all houses that are bought or sold in Ireland will need to be rated according to their energy efficiency and in particular the carbon dioxide emissions produced during their heating through obtaining a BER certificate. The energy rating received could well affect how quickly the house is sold or indeed how much it is sold for.

Renewable energy products, improved heating mechanisms and insulation solutions can all be fitted to existing houses as well as new. These can radically reduce heat losses and the subsequent energy usage of the building. They use cheaper energy resources and are therefore very cost effective. Wood pellets for example will cost around half of what is spent on kerosene, each year.

In addition to the use of renewable energies, there are a number of available heat retention solutions and improvements to the efficiency of the heating system, resulting in higher comfort levels and lower heating bills. Of course the design of the building is paramount to maximising the effectiveness of any heating solution. Any building is only as efficient as it's weakest link.

Here is a list of some easy DIY improvements that can be made. Also read this article explaining the costs, returns and payback periods that can be expected.

What is the solution for my house?

Every situation is different and there is no template fix for all houses. Watch out for the miracle list to fix your problems.

How you use the house and it's rooms at different times of the day as well as how you use your hot water play a crucial part of the solution. Of course the materials and method of construction of the house is just as important.

There is no point in swopping an inefficient heat source for a poorly thought out solution. You will not be benefitting from the cost savings or improved comfort levels that can be achieved.

Ecodev provides consultation solutions depending on how much detail you require to improve the comfort levels of your home or the reason for implementing the improvements. See the eco-light and eco-audit sections of our BER section.