HOME ENERGY SAVING KIT MANUAL

HOME ENERGY SAVING KIT MANUAL Take charge of your energy use today Developed by

Acknowledgement Contents special thanks outout to the Sustainable Energy A special thanksgoes goes to the Department ofauthority State of Ireland (SEAI) and the Department of Communications, Climate Action Development of the Government of South Australia who and Environment (DCCAE), who supported the further roll-out of Home RSdSZ]^SR bvs Æ`ab 6][S 3\S`Ug B]]ZYWb W\ /cab`ozwo W\ SO`Zg Energy(http://sa.gov.au/energysmart). Saving Kits to a selection of library branches across Ireland. 2000 Their advice and Their supporthas hasbeen beeninvaluable invaluableinduring this process. cooperation the process of developing bvwa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb SEAI provide grants to help you upgrade your home's energy efficiency to make it more comfortable and cheaper to run. ES OZa] bvo\y bvs 7<B3@@35 7D0 <]`bv ESab 3c`]^S >`]U`O[[S All owners of homes built before 2006 are eligible, and these T]` bvsw` ac^^]`b 7<B3@@35 7D0 <E3 Wa O >`]U`O[[S ]T bvs grants cover about a third of the cost of measures for roof 3c`]^SO\ C\W]\ evwqv ^`][]bsa bvs SQ]\][WQ S\dW`]\[S\bOZ and wall insulation, boiler upgrades with heating controls and a]qwoz O\R bs``wb]`woz Tcbc`S ]T bvs <]`bv ESab 3c`]^S O`SO 7b solar heating. Go to www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/ or call funds activities based on the cooperation of partners from eight 1850 927000 for more information. Q]c\b`WSa( 0SZUWc[ 4`O\QS 5S`[O\g 7`SZO\R :cfs[p]c`u BVS <SbVS`ZO\Ra AeWbhS`ZO\R O\R bvs C\WbSR 9W\UR][ Introduction 03 What s included 04 Fridge / Freezer Thermometer 05 Temperature & Humidity Meter 08 Radiator Key 10 Thermal Leak Detector 14 Plug-In Energy Monitor 18 Stopwatch 22 What Next? 26 Background 27 Disclaimer 28 We need your feedback! Codema The Loft, 2-4 Crown Alley, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland «7 ¾ If you ve tried our Home Energy Saving Kit, why not tell us what you think by filling out our survey: +353 (0)1 707 9818 codema@codema.ie www.codema.ie @CodemaDublin www.codema.ie/survey Your feedback will help us to improve the Home Energy Saving Kits, and will allow us to guide you to the next steps in improving your home s energy efficiency, by providing advice, and further information on grants available. Developed by 01

Background This current the Home Energy Savingdeveloped Kit was developed The Guide tophase Homeof Energy Savings has been by by Codema, on behalf of the Sustainable Energy Ireland Codema, Dublin s energy agency, in cooperation Authority with Dublin City (SEAI) and the Department of Communications, Climate Action Council and Dublin City libraries. Codema aims to improve energy and Environment (DCCAE). Codema is Dublin s energy agency, STÆQWS\QWSa W\ PcWZRW\Ua O\R ^`][]bsa bvs cas ]T acabow\opzs O\R and works with theinfour Dublin authorities to help them renewable energy Dublin Citylocal as part of its involvement in the improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions European initiative ACE (Academy of Champions for Energy), in the Dublin region. under the INTERREG IVB North West Europe which is co-funded Programme. ACE aims at increasing the uptake of sustainable To out more aboutacross the kit,north visit www.codema.ie/energysavingkit andfind renewable energy West Europe through citizen S\UOUS[S\b O\R Q][[c\Wbg S\S`Ug B] Æ\R ]cb []`S OP]cb bvs initiative, please visit www.aceforenergy.eu. Introduction The Home Energy Saving Kit has been developed to help you The aim of this guide is toconsumption help you make home moreyou understand your energy at your home, whether comfortable while saving money on your energy bills. A range own or rent your accommodation. It provides six practical of energy saving guides in the past have been developed energy saving tools which will help you conduct your own to suit home owners and are only accessible to the techyminded us. However, you don t have to be areas to people reduceamong your energy. By implementing easy energy an engineer to understand the energy use of your home! saving measures, you can reduce your energy bill by up to 20% while improving the comfort of your home and helping Whether you are accommodation or same own atime. house, it is to contribute to arenting better environment at the important that you are comfortable in the place you call HOME! And of course your utility bills shouldn t thetobank This manual has been designed for easybreak use and giveeither! So why not start with the top energy saving tips provided you a basic understanding of your current energy needs in this guide or choose from the list of no, low, medium or high cost at home. Technical expertise or extensive knowledge on [SOac`Sa b] Æ\R ]cb V]e g]c QO\ [OYS g]c` V][S []`S S\S`Ug energy are not required. STÆQWS\b G]c QO\ aods c^ b] ]T g]c` S\S`Ug Q]\ac[^bW]\ you like to get a better understanding of So what areifwhere you waiting for? you currently waste mostget energy in home,energy why not takenow! your own home started andyour save energy audit by renting one of the Home Energy Saving Kits from your local library! For free energy saving tips, why not download our Guide to Home Energy Savings from www.codema.ie/energysavingkit and start changing your habits today! And remember every change, no matter how small, will make a difference! Guide to Home Energy Savings Simple tips to get you saving today CODE_000_Saving_Tips_Final.indd 1 18/02/2016 15:08 03

What s included Fridge/Freezer Thermometer Fridge/Freezer Thermometer Thermal Leak Detector The fridge/freezer thermometer in the Home Energy Saving Kit can help help you save you save energy energy by allowing your you kitchen to by measure allowing the you temperature to measure of the your fridge and freezer accurately, and to accurately adjust it accordingly. and adjust it accordingly. Ideal fridge temperature display Temperature & Humidity Meter Plug-In Energy Monitor Ideal freezer temperature Radiator Key Stopwatch Thermometer shows temperature in Celsius ( C) 04

Fridge/Freezer Thermometer Place thermometer onto onto middle the shelf middle of shelf fridge. of Avoid the fridge. placing it Avoid too close placing to other it too items close or into to the other fridge items door or and into make the fridge sure you door, have and make not recently sure you placed have a not warm recently dish into placed the a fridge. warm dish into the fridge. 1 4 Place thermometer onto onto middle shelf the middle of freezer. shelf Avoid of the placing freezer. it Avoid too close placing to it other too close items. to other items. Wait 30min minutes for the for thermometer thermometer to adjust to the to fridge adjust temperature to the fridge temperature while the fridge while door the is fridge closed. door is closed. 2 5 Wait 30min minutes for the for thermometer thermometer to adjust to the freezer temperature while the freezer door is closed. Check that fridge the fridge is between is between 3 to 5 C. 3 to 5 C. You may You need may need to amend to change the temperature the temperature wheel of your of refrigerator your fridge to to a a different setting and then repeat Steps 1-2. 1-2. 3 6 Check that freezer the freezer is between is between -15 to -15-18 C. to -18 C. You You may may need need to change to amend the the temperature of your freezer to a different setting and then repeat Steps 4-5. Please note that not all freezers have a separate temperature setting. You will therefore have to to amend amend depending depending on on your your appliance appliance setting. setting. 06 07

Temperature & Humidity Meter The thermo temperature hygrometer and humidity pen helps meter you identify helps you both identify the temperature both the temperature as well as and the humidity levels in in your home. 1 Place the temperature and humidity and humidity meter on a surface away from windows, the temperature and humidity meter in your hand, as your own body temperature can impact the accuracy of the measurement. Turn power switch ON and wait for 2seconds for reading to appear on LCD display. 2 Measure the humidity in in each room to to identify whether the environment you live in provides a healthy humidity level. Ideal humidity levels are between 40% - 60%. The temperature value shows as Celsius ( C) MIN displays the memorised memorized minimum temperature and humidity values. Note: heating, lack of insulation, and poor window quality. Remember that bathrooms can have higher humidity levels as residual moisture remains on surfaces. Ensure The humidity value shows as a percentage (%). 3 Measure the temperature in in each room heated during colder months but not overheated, which can lead to high energy bills. Aim for an ideal temperature of 18-20 C in your living room and 15-18 C in bedrooms and hallway. hallways. MAX displays the memorised memorized maximum temperature and humidity values. Note: window quality. 4 Turn off temperature the temperature and and humidity meter before returning it it to the Home Energy Saving Kit. 09

Radiator Key Bleeding your radiators regularly is essential useful if your if your home home runs runs on on a wet a wet central heating system, which means that hot that water hot circulates water circulates through through a system a of system pipes of that pipes connect that connect to the radiators the radiators in your home. in your home. These radiators These radiators may be may running be running inefficiently, as trapped air can obscure the flow of water through the system. the The system. radiator The radiator key will key will help help you you release release the the trapped trapped air. air. 1 2 Ensure your central heating system is fully turned off at least 1 hour before bleeding your radiator. Your radiator should be completely Locate the bleed valve on your radiator which is usually located on the top of one end of the radiator. Hold the radiator radiator key key on at this end and use handles the handles to turn. to turn. 3 Check the size of your radiator valve. The Insert this end of the radiator key into the bleed valve of your radiator, if it is the correct size for your system. Note: Some modern radiators are equipped with valves that are designed to be turned 4 Use a kitchen towel or bucket under the radiator valve to catch any water dripping Warning! Do not allow the radiator key key near children, as as there is is a a danger of swallowing them swallowing it. it. 11

Radiator Key 5 Ensure that the intake valve or TRV is turned on. The valve is located at the with water again once the air has escaped. 9 Ensure that the radiator key is dry before Note: Newer radiators may have a heating system radiators to control the of hot water to the radiator. Note: possible leak and a plumber should be consulted to investigate further. 6 Insert radiator key into bleed screw and turn counter-clockwise to open the valve. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes from your radiator. 7 Tighten the bleed valve once a steady stream of water squirts through it. This indicates that you have released all of the air trapped in your radiator. any water splashes on the radiator before turning on the central heating again. 8 Repeat process on all radiators in your home to ensure a wellmaintained heating system. Note: It is recommended to bleed your radiators at least once a year or after your heating system has been serviced. 12 13

Thermal Leak Detector The thermal leak detector is a digital thermometer which detects energy leaks in your home by showing you the temperature differences with a coloured LED spotlight. This can be a useful appliance to spot thermal excessive air leaks thermal or draughts air leaks or and draughts identify and areas for identify additional areas insulation for additional and/or insulation and/or draught proofing. 1 2 Set the reference temperature by pointing the leak detector near an area you would like to measure. This should be close to your set room temperature (e.g. 20 C). Switch on the unit by pressing the ON button on the device. The thermal leak detector will show the reference Reference Temperature Scan Temperature 3 The Green Light indicates the default colour meaning that no or little difference to the reference temperature is detected. The LED spot light will change colour when differences in temperature are detected depending on the set threshold Blue = colder Green = within threshold of reference point Red = warmer spots 1ºF 5ºF 10ºF 0.5ºC 3.0ºC 5.5ºC On / Off Button Move slider to top position if you do not want the LED to change colour 0.5 C threshold setting to detect small temperature changes 3 C threshold setting to detect medium temperature changes Note: The difference between the temperature of a surface and your room temperature should not be greater than 5 C. 5.5 C threshold setting to detect large temperature changes 15

Thermal Leak Detector 4 Slowly move the light beam across the wall. The beam will change from green to red when it hits something warmer than your reference temperature. It will change from green to blue when it detects something colder than the reference temperature. 7 Move the light beam from your reference point to sockets, light switches, and spot lights as they can cause heat loss if poorly installed. Note: You may be losing heat 8 Measure the temperature of your ceiling as hot air rises but may escape through uninsulated lofts and leaky loft 5 Change the threshold setting to determine smaller or larger temperature differences. To detect small temperature changes To detect medium temperature changes To detect large temperature changes move the slider to 5.5 C. 9 Measure the temperature of your rooms. Compare the temperatures Example: Your reference point temperature is 20 C and you have set the light will change to blue once it detects a temperature of 17 C or lower. 6 If you don t want the light beam to change colour move the slider to the top position where the colour spots are crossed out. You will still be able to see the 9 Turn off the thermal leak detector before returning the appliance to 16 17

Plug-In Energy Monitor An energy monitor can be helpful to understand how much energy the appliances in your home use and the biggest energy consumers in your home and your energy consumption very effectively. Top Display Shows time or accumulative time. Bottom Display Shows electricity consumption of an appliance in wattage (W). ENERGY button Press button to change bottom display. It shows wattage (W) by default. Middle Display Shows total electric consumption in kilowatt per hour (kwh). Reset button Allows the reset of the device to zero. COST button Press button to change middle display. To change to kilowatt hours, press once and display will show 0.000KWh. 1 2 3 Reset the energy monitor reset button on the energy meter. The Press the COST button once to switch to kwh. This will show the total energy consumption of the appliance in kwh and accumulate over time. While the plug-in energy monitor allows you to set up your energy tariffs on the manually calculate your energy cost. Note: Example: displayed as 1 kwh. Plug the energy monitor into the power socket and then plug the electric appliance you want to measure into the socket of the energy monitor. The energy monitor will show the appliance s wattage (W) in the bottom display and the accumulated kilowatt hours (kwh) in the middle display for the time you use it. Please note that the Plug-In Energy Monitor has a range of other functionalities and display options, which are provided in the manufacturer s guidelines in this Home Energy Saving Kit. 4 Start using electric appliances to measure their energy consumption. You can see the accumulated kwh in the display for each appliance. for 15min will measure an energy consumption of 0.250kWh. 19

Plug-In Energy Monitor 5 Reset the energy monitor before measuring the kwh of other appliances. 9 Calculate the cost of energy per appliance by using the calculation below. Try to measure the following daily actions to see how much energy they use: Boil 1 cup of tea Use the TV for 20 minutes Iron 2 items of clothes Toast 2 slices of bread, etc This will give you the total cost per electrical appliance per week. You can simply multiply this by 52 weeks to get the annual cost per appliance and compare them with each other. Note: The wattage Watt of of an an appliance is the is the rate rate which at which it uses it uses electrical energy. energy. This This amount does not change but varies a lot across appliances e.g. 1,000W microwave, 1,800W kettle, 200W TV, etc. Only kwh will measure the energy consumption of the appliance over time. Energy consumption of appliance (kwh) x Electricity cost ( /kwh) x Times used per week = Cost per week ( ) x Weeks used per year = Cost per year ( ) 6 Measure standby the standby energy energy of appliances of appliances by leaving the plug-in energy monitor in the socket overnight when the appliance is not in use. This would be particularly useful for your TV, computer, internet connection box, game console, etc. Example Energy Consumption (kwh) Write down the energy consumption you measured with the plug-in energy monitor in kwh. Times used per week the appliance for the action you monitored? Cost per week ( ) This gives you the cost of the appliance s electricity use per week. Cost per year ( ) This gives you the cost of the appliance s electricity use per year. Appliance consumption x cost Times used per week = Cost per x Weeks used per year = Cost per 7 8 Use the Energy Appliance Worksheet to to note down the consumption of each appliance and help you compare their energy use. See example on next page or download from www.codema.ie/thinkenergy www.codema.ie/energysavingkit. Check unit the unit cost cost of your of your electricity electricity on your on your energy energy bill bill for for your your calculation. The The unit cost of electricity is stated in kwh. kwh, e.g. 0.18 per kwh. 0.008 kwh x 7 = x 52 = (overnight) Coffee machine 0.185 kwh x 7 = x 52 = (10cups) 0.008 kwh x 1 = x 52 = (2 rooms) Juicer (1 jug of juice) (1 cup of tea) Toaster (2 slices) (20 min) Appliance Note down the appliance you use and for how long or for what action. 0.284 kwh x 1 = x 52 = 0.010 kwh x 7 = x 52 = 0.150 kwh x 14 = x 52 = x 7 = x 52 = 0.044 kwh x 14 = x 52 = Electricity Cost (cent/kwh) Note down the unit cost of your electricity based on your electricity bill. Weeks used per year Add up the number of weeks you use the appliance for per year. Note: You can download an Energy Appliance Worksheet from www.codema.ie/energysavingkit download at www.codema.ie/thinkenergy 20 21

Stopwatch The stopwatch can be useful to measure the flow rate of water from your taps, shower and bath to are ensure not you wasting are not water wasting and energy water at the and same energy time at the by heating same time too by much heating too much water. This identify exercise areas can also of where help you identify can install areas where you can install low flow shower taps or aerated heads. taps and shower heads. Lap/Reset To clear the time on the Stopwatch, press the Lap/Reset button once. Mode Press button to change display mode from Real time Time to Stopwatch. Other display options available are Daily alarm Alarm and Time Setting. 1 2 3 Place bucket the bucket under under showerhead the showerhead or tap, depending on where you would like to Get stop the stopwatch ready ready by pressing by pressing the the Mode button once. Have your finger on ready the on Start/Stop the Start/Stop button button to start to counting. start counting. Turn on the showerhead Start/Stop Press button once to start the Stopwatch. The watch will start counting from 00 00 00 if the watch is cleared, otherwise it will pick up from where it last left off. 4 Move bucket the bucket under under water the steam water for 10 seconds. stream for You 10 will seconds. have to press You will the have Start/Stop to button press the on Start/Stop the stopwatch button to start on the counting and stopwatch press again to start to stop counting after and 10 seconds. press again to stop after 10 seconds. 23

Stopwatch 5 Turn off the tap immediately. 9 Water your plants with the water you captured. 6 Measure the amount of water captured. You could use a jug with litre markings to do this. Note: 7 Multiply this amount by six to Note: multiply the water amount of by water four. by four. 8 per minute or less. This means Note: 15 to 22 litres of water per minute 24 25

What Next? next? Background Your energy saving journey BVWa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb VOa PSS\ RSdSZ]^SR The Home Energy Saving Kit has been developed to help you take the first step on your energy saving journey. We recognise that many b] VSZ^ g]c boys bvs Æ`ab abs^ ]\ g]c` S\S`Ug issues are not fixed overnight; however, the kit should help you focus journey. recognise that many issues are on the mostwe relevant issues in your home. \]b ÆfSR ]ds`\wuvb V]eSdS` bvs 6][S 3\S`Ug SEAI provide grants to help you upgrade your home's energy AOdW\U 9Wb av]czr VSZ^ g]c T]Qca ]\ bvs []ab efficiency to make it more comfortable and cheaper to run. All relevant issues your2006 home. Once owners of homes builtinbefore are eligible, andyou thesehave grants cover about a third of the cost of measures for roof and wall abo`bsr g]c` ]e\ X]c`\Sg evg \]b bszz g]c` insulation, boiler upgrades with heating controls and solar heating. \SWUVP]c`a TO[WZg O\R T`WS\Ra OP]cb bvwa O\R Go to www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/ or call 1850 927000 for more information. in your community? start an energy movement 0ST]`S g]c Y\]e Wb g]c` dwzzous b]e\ ]` QWbg Once you ve started your own journey, why not tell your neighbours, is moving towards renewable energy! family and friends and start an energy movement in your Borrow the kit BVS 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb VOa PSS\ RSdSZ]^SR Pg 1]RS[O 2cPZW\ a Test all 6 tools in your house S\S`Ug OUS\Qg W\ Q]]^S`ObW]\ ewbv 2cPZW\ 1Wbg 1]c\QWZ O\R 2cPZW\ 1Wbg ZWP`O`WSa 1]RS[O OW[a b] W[^`]dS S\S`Ug STÆQWS\QWSa W\ PcWZRW\Ua O\R promote the use of sustainable and renewable energy in Dublin City Oa ^O`b ]T Wba W\d]ZdS[S\b W\ bvs 3c`]^SO\ W\WbWObWdS /13 /QORS[g ]T 1VO[^W]\a T]` 3\S`Ug evwqv Wa Q] Tc\RSR c\rs` 7<B@@35 7D0 <E3 /13 OW[a Ob W\Q`SOaW\U bvs c^boys ]T acabow\opzs O\R `S\SeOPZS S\S`Ug OQ`]aa <]`bv ESab 3c`]^S bv`]cuv QWbWhS\ S\UOUS[S\b O\R Q][[c\Wbg S\S`Ug B] Æ\R ]cb []`S OP]cb bvs W\WbWObWdS ^ZSOaS dwawb eee OQST]`S\S`Ug Sc G]c ewzz PS OPZS b] OQQSaa O 1WbWhS\ 3\UOUS[S\b B]]Z Oa eszz Oa useful case studies and videos developed as part of this project. Come to one of our events to learn more Take simple steps identified by the kit community? Visit www.seai.ie/grants/home-grants/ to apply for grants for further measures We need your feedback! If you ve tried our Home Energy Saving Kit, why not tell us what you think by filling out our survey: www.codema.ie/survey Your feedback will help us to improve the Home Energy Saving Kits, and will allow us to guide you to the next steps in improving your home s energy efficiency, by providing advice, and further information on grants available. 26 Get the energy upgrades carried out Enjoy the benefits of a cosier home & lower energy bills! 27

Disclaimer Disclaimer While Codema considers that the information given in this manual Wa a]c\r OZZ ^O`bWSa [cab `SZg c^]\ bvsw` ]e\ aywzz O\R XcRUS[S\b evs\ [OYW\U cas ]T Wb 1]RS[O R]Sa \]b [OYS O\g `S^`SaS\bObW]\ ]` eo``o\bg Sf^`SaaSR ]` W[^ZWSR Oa b] bvs OQQc`OQg ]` completeness of the information contained in this manual and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Codema will not assume any liability to anyone T]` O\g Z]aa ]` RO[OUS O`WaW\U ]cb ]T bvs ^`]dwaw]\ ]T bvwa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb While Codema considers that the information given in this manual Wa a]c\r OZZ ^O`bWSa [cab `SZg c^]\ bvsw` ]e\ aywzz O\R XcRUS[S\b evs\ [OYW\U cas ]T Wb 1]RS[O R]Sa \]b [OYS O\g `S^`SaS\bObW]\ ]` eo``o\bg Sf^`SaaSR ]` W[^ZWSR Oa b] bvs OQQc`OQg ]` completeness of the information contained in this manual and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information. Codema will not assume any liability to anyone T]` O\g Z]aa ]` RO[OUS O`WaW\U ]cb ]T bvs ^`]dwaw]\ ]T bvwa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb 0ST]`S cas ^ZSOaS `SOR bvs [O\cTOQbc`S` a UcWRSZW\Sa ]\ SOQV ]T bvs S\S`Ug aodw\u b]]za ^`]dwrsr W\ bvwa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb 1]^WSa ]T bvsas O`S Z]QObSR W\ bvs hw^ Z]QY POU ewbvw\ bvs 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb 1]RS[O ewzz boys \] `Sa^]\aWPWZWbg T]` RO[OUSa or issues caused by the use of these energy saving tools. 0ST]`S cas ^ZSOaS `SOR bvs [O\cTOQbc`S` a UcWRSZW\Sa ]\ SOQV ]T bvs S\S`Ug aodw\u b]]za ^`]dwrsr W\ bvwa 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb 1]^WSa ]T bvsas O`S Z]QObSR W\ bvs hw^ Z]QY POU ewbvw\ bvs 6][S 3\S`Ug AOdW\U 9Wb 1]RS[O ewzz boys \] `Sa^]\aWPWZWbg T]` RO[OUSa or issues caused by the use of these energy saving tools. Developed by 28 28

Codema The Loft, 2-4 Crown Alley, Codema Temple Bar, Dublin Ireland The 2-4 Crown2,contact: Alley, ForLoft, any queries, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland «+353 +353(0)1 (0)1707 707 9818 9818 7 codema@codema.ie codema@codema.ie «+353 (0)1 707 9818 Codema ¾ www.codema.ie/energysavingkit www.codema.ie 7 codema@codema.ie The Loft, 2-4 Crown Alley, @EnergySavingKit @CodemaDublin ¾ www.codema.ie Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland www.facebook.com/energysavingkit @CodemaDublin «7 ¾ +353 (0)1 707 9818 codema@codema.ie www.codema.ie @CodemaDublin Developed by