Top energy tips to save money
One of the best ways to save money on your energy bills is by reducing your usage. Here’s all you need to know about energy efficiency with money-saving tips to cut your bills.
Saving money
How to reduce energy and cut your bills
Why save energy?
The main benefit of reducing how much energy you use at home is you’ll save money on your gas and electricity bills, but making your home more energy efficient can also have huge environmental benefits.
Here are seven simple ways to reduce your use and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
1. Pull the plug
Home appliances left on standby use electricity, even when not in use. Turning your appliances off at the wall when you’re not using them lowers your electricity costs - especially if you live in a busy family.
Consider pulling the plug instead of leaving these appliances on standby:
Which home appliances use the most power?
Heating and cooling
These figures are estimates and will depend on the efficiency of your appliance or system and unit charges which may vary.
- Gas central heating for 6 hours = approx €17.00
- Plug in electric heater for 1 hour = approx €1.00
- Electric blanket for 3 hours = approx €0.15
- Immersion heater for 2 hours = approx €2.00
- Fridge freezer per day = approx €0.42
Eating and drinking
These figures are estimates and will depend on your appliance and unit charges which may vary.
- Electric oven single use = approx €1.00
- Microwave single use = approx €0.05
- Airfryer single use = approx €0.09
- Slow cooker single use = approx €0.45
- Gas hob single use = approx €0.30
- Electric hob single use = approx €0.90
- Kettle single use = approx €0.08
Washing, drying and cleaning
These figures are estimates and will depend on your appliance and unit charges which may vary.
- Washing machine single use = approx €0.55
- Tumble dryer single use = approx €1.95
- Dishwasher single use = approx €1.00
- Vacuum cleaner single use = approx €0.10
- Iron single use = approx €0.80
- Electric shower single use approx = €0.60
Working and playing
These figures are estimates and will depend on your appliance and unit charges which may vary.
- TV for 2 hours = approx €0.15
- Laptop or desktop PC for 8 hours = approx €0.40
- Games console for 8 hours = approx €0.20
- Wifi router per day = approx €0.09
- Hairdryer single use = approx €0.15
2. Turn it down
A huge portion of our energy bills goes on heating and hot water, so tweaking the thermostat and conserving heat is an easy way to save money.
Here’s some simple things you can do:
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3. Take control
Don’t waste energy by heating your home while asleep or out and about. Set your heating and hot water on a schedule to fit your daily routine.
4. Cook with care
Much of our household energy is used in the kitchen, but you can make small changes to reduce energy use.
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5. Take a shower
If you are fond of long, deep baths or power showers, you’ll use more energy to heat the water.
A shower uses only 20% of the energy needed to heat water for a full bath, so opt for a regular shower instead. If you have a power shower, shorten your shower time and dial down the pressure.
If you don’t have a shower, keep bath times short and shallow.
6. Keep it cool
Ensuring your fridge-freezer runs efficiently can be a big help when it comes to saving energy.
7. Hang it out
The tumble dryer is one of the most expensive appliances in our homes, using around 2.5 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per hour, so use it sparingly. In good weather, dry your clothes outside or on a clothes horse in a warm room on wet days.
You can save money by washing your clothes efficiently too. Avoid prewashing and wash your clothes at 30 degrees with a liquid detergent whenever possible.
If your washing machine has an eco programme, use it to save 30% on energy usage and fully load your drum to keep washes to a minimum.
Energy efficiency
Ways to make your home energy efficient
Insulate your home
Your home can lose up to 30% of its heat through poorly insulated walls and attics, but a well-insulated home will keep warmth in and reduce your energy bills.
Investing in effective insulation has a big impact on reducing heat loss and helping you save money on your energy bills.
Here are some of the different types:
- Attic insulation keeps heat from escaping through the roof. This is the most cost-effective way to insulate and should cause minimal disruption.
- Cavity wall insulation is suitable when your walls consist of two rows of bricks or concrete blocks with a cavity or space between them. The insulation is injected into the wall from the outside.
- Internal wall insulation is also known as dry lining and is suitable if you have solid walls or other walls that aren’t suitable for cavity insulation. Insulation boards are applied to the inside of any external walls.
SEAI offers a range of home energy upgrade grants covering up to 50% of the cost. For attic and cavity wall insulation you may qualify for a grant that covers up to 80% of the cost.
Energy-saving gadgets
Energy-saving gadgets can help you cut back on your energy bills. Here’s our pick:
Check your boiler is safe and efficient
Get your boiler serviced and checked regularly by a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). This will ensure your boiler is running safely and efficiently.
Older boilers are less energy efficient than modern ones, so consider whether it’s worth paying out for repairs when a new boiler may be more cost-effective. Here are the pros and cons of paying for repairs vs replacing your boiler.
A boiler care plan could help to spread the cost of servicing and repairs if your boiler breaks down. Our guide: How do boiler servicing plans work? explain what’s included and how to choose the right cover.
Inspect your windows for damage
Draughty windows may cause significant heat loss due to minor damage, ageing sealant, weather stripping or windows not shutting properly.
Signs of heat loss are moisture or mould between the window frame and the wall, cracked seals and rooms that don’t stay warm. You can check for draughts by lighting a match and holding it close to the frame.
If you do spot an issue with your window sealant, repairs are relatively cheap and will help your house retain heat.
Upgrade your old appliances
All appliances sold in the EU have an energy rating from A+++ to G which can be found on the label.
Appliances with a lower rating cost much more to run than those with a high rating. The A+++ rating is the most energy efficient and G is the least efficient.
So, if you have a lot of white goods e.g. washing machine, fridge/freezer, or oven with a low rating, consider replacing them with more efficient models.
Bleed your radiators
Bleed your radiators regularly to release air, ensuring they work efficiently and don’t waste any heat. If there are cold spots on the top, it’s a sign they need bleeding.
Turn your heating off and place a towel or basin below your radiator valve to catch any water.
Use a bleed key or a screwdriver to turn the valve in an ani-clockwise direction, and close it again when water begins to come out.
For optimal performance remove any furniture or clothes that may be blocking heat from your radiators.
Install solar panels
Solar panels are solar photovoltaic (PV) modules that generate electricity when exposed to light. You can install these on your home’s roof and use the power they generate to supply energy to your home.
Solar panels that produce hot water are known as solar thermal panels or solar hot water collectors. They can be a cheaper way to generate hot water.
Installing solar panels can generate clean, renewable energy from daylight and any excess can be automatically used to heat your water. So, not only will you save on your energy bills, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment.
You can get grants from the SEAI for solar electricity installation up to €1,800 and solar heating installation up to €1,200.
Consider a heat pump
Electrical heat pumps use a compressor to draw heat from external air or the ground to heat the home, and a heat pump produces around three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed.
Most heat pump systems have integrated heating controls, so you can set them to match your lifestyle and routine. Using heating controls with your heat pump system will typically reduce your energy usage by up to 20%.
Grants of up to €12,500 are available to anyone with a home built before 2021 who installs a heat pump. More information is available from the SEAI website.
Switch your gas and electricity supplier
The best way to reduce your energy costs is to switch to a discounted deal using our free gas and electricity comparison service. If you haven’t changed your supplier in over a year, compare electricity suppliers and switch to a cheaper energy plan.
If you struggle to pay your energy bills, visit What help can you get paying your energy bills? and check if you qualify for support.
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It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
Home energy saving FAQs
What SEAI energy grants are available for Irish homes?
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers several home energy upgrade grants to help reduce your bills and improve your Building Energy Rating (BER).
These include grants for:
| Upgrade Measure | Grant Amount | Important Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump System | Up to €12,500 | Bundle includes unit (€6,500), heating upgrade (€2,000), and renewable bonus (€4,000). Max €9,500 for apartments. | |
| Air-to-Air Heat Pump | Up to €7,500 | Max €7,500 for houses, €3,500 for apartments. | |
| Solar PV Panels | Up to €1,800 | €700/kWp for first 2 kWp, plus €200/kWp up to 4 kWp. | |
| Solar Water Heating | €1,200 | For solar thermal hot water systems. | |
| Windows (Complete Upgrade) | Up to €4,000 | Varies by property: Detached (€4k), Semi-D (€3k), Mid-Terrace (€1.8k), Apartment (€1.5k). | |
| External Doors | Up to €1,600 | €800 per high-performance door (maximum 2 doors). | |
| Heating Controls | €700 | Smart thermostats and zone controls. | |
| BER Assessment | €50 | Contribution towards post-works assessment. |
Insulation Grants by Property Type
Insulation grant amounts scale based on the type of property you live in. (Note: Enhanced grants up to €2,500 are available for attic insulation for first-time buyers and those on qualifying welfare).
| Property Type | External Wall | Internal Wall | Cavity Wall | Attic Insulation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached House | €8,000 | €4,500 | €1,800 | €2,000 | |
| Semi-Detached / End-Terrace | €6,000 | €3,500 | €1,300 | €1,500 | |
| Mid-Terrace | €3,500 | €2,000 | €850 | €1,400 | |
| Apartment | €3,000 | €1,500 | €700 | €1,100 |
Note: Grant amounts are based on the latest 2026 SEAI figures. You must receive SEAI approval and use an SEAI-registered contractor before commencing any work.
Do air fryers actually use less electricity than an electric oven?
Yes, using an air fryer is significantly cheaper than using a traditional electric oven.
Because air fryers are smaller and circulate heat rapidly, they cook food much faster and require no pre-heating time.
On average, a single use of an air fryer costs roughly €0.09, compared to around €1.00 for a standard electric oven, saving you a substantial amount over the year.
Which household appliances use the most electricity?
The most expensive appliances to run in your home are those that generate heat or run constantly. Wet appliances like tumble dryers and dishwashers, alongside electric showers and ovens, are the biggest energy drains.
Constant appliance use, like older fridge-freezers, also accounts for a large portion of your annual electricity bill.
Is it cheaper to leave the heating on low all day or turn it on only when needed?
It is a common myth that leaving your heating on low all day saves money. It is actually cheaper to turn your heating on only when you need it. Homes constantly lose heat through windows, walls, and roofs.
If you leave your heating on all day, your boiler has to continually use energy to replace that lost heat.
Instead, use a smart timer to heat your home 30 minutes before you wake up or return home.
Does bleeding a radiator actually save money on heating bills?
Yes. If a radiator has trapped air (indicated by cold spots at the top), the hot water cannot fully circulate.
This means your boiler has to work harder and stay on longer to heat the room to your thermostat’s target temperature.
Bleeding your radiators improves your central heating efficiency, reducing energy waste and lowering your gas or electricity bills.
What are "vampire appliances" and how much do they cost in Ireland?
Vampire appliances are electronics that continue to drain electricity even when left on standby, such as TVs, games consoles, set-top boxes, and microwave clocks.
While modern EU regulations have reduced standby power consumption, leaving multiple devices plugged in 24/7 in an Irish household can still add up.
Pulling the plug or using a smart power strip can easily eliminate this “vampire draw.”
Switch and save up to €529 on your energy bills
It only takes a few minutes to find a cheaper deal and start saving
