Energy: 7 ways to make your home more efficient

Currently, there are more and more solutions to increase the energy efficiency of homes. And, with the period of energy crisis that Europe is going through, resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it is important to look for options that help to save on monthly bill. Although, for the most part, this type of intervention requires a initial investment, in the long run can make a difference in terms of monthly savings. Thus, in this article, we have gathered several improvements we can make at home to make it more efficient, as well as types of aid exist from the state and of what form can have financing for these improvements.

7 ways to make your home more efficient

1. Enjoy the benefits of property orientation

When looking for a property to live in, we must take into account the location relative to the sun. If you are in the sun, it is easier for light and heat to enter the house. Which help in various processes, such as drying clothes (avoiding using a tumble dryer), or not needing to use air conditioning and heaters. That is, if the property orientation is ideal, manages to keep the house cool in the summer and warmer, naturally, in the winter. So, for this, according to EDP, it is important that the orientation of the house is southwith the larger rooms and windows, and the north must be the minimum of windows. then the east and west must be blinds and shuttersin order to control the input of solar energy.

2. Thermal insulation is essential

O thermal insulation is essential for the energy efficiency of the home. This is because, during the summer, prevent the house from overheating and, throughout the winter, good insulation allows the heat generated by the heating system is retained. Through roof insulation, an average of 30% of the heat is lost: 25% losses on walls and doors and 20% on windows. In other words, having thermal insulation prevents the loss of interior heat and can mean savings of up to 10% on the monthly bill for heating the property.

3. Install efficient windows

Steps for purchasing efficient windows and applying to the Environmental Fund To save on your monthly energy bill, another option you have is to choose install efficient windows that provide thermal comfort and sound insulation. However, you will have to make a initial investment for installing windows. If you proceed, you will need to collect the following information: dimensions of each window (width x height) and quantities; type of opening (sliding window, opening, casement, tilt-turn), and the orientation of the property. Then, when choosing the company that will carry out the installation, ensure that they are companies that, for the performance of the activity, are registered in the CLASS+ energy labeling system. And then compare proposals that, within the amount you are willing to pay, offer quality, comfort and energy savings.

4. Bet on energy efficient appliances

Due to the heating devices, in winter the energy bill can rise considerably (about 20%). But you can reduce this percentage if you use highly energy efficient appliances, such as a higher quality air conditioner. Know that a air conditioning is about four times more efficient than an electric heater. The investment may be higher, but in the long run it ends up saving, as the energy bill decreases every month. there are also hot water production systemssuch as heat pumps and hybrid water heaters, which reduce more than 50% of consumption energy to heat water.

5. Invest in solar panels

Another option that implies a large initial investment, but makes the property more energy efficient are the solar panels home. can help you to reduce about 60% of consumption. So, if you have a house, you can install the following panels: thermal solar panels – daily solar energy that heats the water accumulated in a tank; photovoltaic solar panels – capture sunlight transforming it into electrical energy for immediate use in the house.

6. LED lamps are preferable

You can also change the light bulbs in your house for led lampssince they are much more efficient and last more: up to 30,000 hours. They are even faster to light up compared to traditional lamps. However, you should take the same precautions: turn off lights when not in use and call only if necessary.

7. Buy low consumption equipment

If you need or can buy new applianceschoose low consumption equipment and that offer energy efficiency. Larger appliances, such as washing machines or refrigerators, can account for more than 40% of energy consumption in the home. So if you can buy the that consume less energy will pass to save every month. Like the previous tips, it involves an initial investment, but it pays off in the long run. For this, try to opt for appliances with the energy class A++ or higher. Read also: Efficient windows contribute to the reduction of energy bills

Is there State support to make the house more efficient?

For those who want to do works or improve the energy efficiency of their home, in 2022 the State created the Support Program for More Sustainable Buildings. At applications are closed since the 2nd of may, however it is not known if there will be new reinforcements and if the program will reopen. So, the program encompasses four major areas: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, water efficiency and the circular economy in buildings. The aim is that candidates can be partially reimbursed for the installation of systems of air conditioning and production of domestic hot water, in order to improve the energy efficiency indices of your home. Through this program you can, for example, install photovoltaic panels, more efficient windows and heat pumps.

How to apply for the More Sustainable Buildings Program 2022?

Despite the uncertainty about the reopening of the More Sustainable Buildings Program 2022, know that this is national coverage and can compete natural persons owners of existing and occupied single-family housing buildings (dwellings), autonomous fractions in multifamily buildings (apartments), or multi-family buildings (buildings in their entirety). This year, the regulation allows more recent housing for intervention typologies regarding heating/cooling, ambient and/or sanitary hot water systems, installation of photovoltaic panels, water efficiency interventions or incorporation of bioclimatic architecture solutions. all this in properties built or with a housing permit until July 1, 2021. In order to compete, cannot have debts to the Tax Authorities or Social Security, even having to deliver proof of the regularized situation to proceed. Then you also need to deliver the identification documents and property data (urban land register and housing permit). The sharing of expenses is made through reimbursement, after carrying out the works or alterations to the property. You must gather all the information regarding the expenses so that you can apply. Invoices that can only have date after September 7, 2020. And attention, as the companies that carry out the interventions must be registered on the portals of the respective areas: Classe+, Casa Eficiente 2020, Portuguese Environment Agency, Portal Casa+, DGEG and SCE application portal. must send to application for each type of intervention, that is, if there was more than one, you must send the various applications for the various areas of intervention carried out. You can start the application process on the Environmental Fund website. Also read: Energy Efficiency: What to invest in for greater savings?

What are the participation limits?

In each of the interventions, the expenses are shared up to 85%, with a value of maximum reimbursement of up to 7,500 euros per single-family building or autonomous fractionfor individuals with a housing permit issued until the end of 2006. In the particular case of multifamily building (building) in total ownershipthe contribution can be extended up to 15,000 eurosconsidering the amounts supported since September 7, 2020. The calculation of refunds is made without the amount of VAT borne. This tax is borne by the final consumer, but does not count towards refunds, which reduces the recoverable amount invested. Regarding the maximum incentive limits, it depends on the projects. if you want the technical monitoring and energy certification of the property, during or after the interventions, receives a contribution rate of 85%, up to a maximum of 200 euros, only assigned only once to the same building or autonomous fraction.

Are all applications accepted?

Please note that if the program reopens, not all applications are accepted: may be refused and not entitled to a refund. In other words, nothing guarantees that the investment you make initially can be accepted and shared. It depends on whether the program considers the application eligible. Therefore, try to guarantee in advance if the investment you are going to make will be eligible and whether the expenses can be sustained.

Ways to finance the transition

Credit for Renewable Energies

You can also use a personal credit to finance improvements what you want to do in your home in terms of energy efficiency. Some banks have specific credits for this type of intervention, called Credit for Renewable Energies. Through this type of financing, you can have the money quickly availablehowever the interest rates are highwhich can reach 13%, and has taxes, commissions, insurance premium costs, as well as other charges. In Credit for Renewable Energies, you get a financing between 24 and 120 months, between 1,000 and 75,000 euros. This loan can be used in purchase of any renewable energy production equipment. Ie, expenses that enable better energy and environmental performance, focusing on energy and water efficiency, the use of renewable energies and waste management. In order to contract the Credit for Renewable Energies, may need to provide the following documents: citizen card (or identity card with taxpayer card); proof of residence; proof of nominative IBAN of one of the contract holders; last pay slip of the contract holders; latest IRS Model 3 or delivery validation code; proof of pension (if you are a pensioner) and the budget, proforma invoice or purchase order. To contract this credit, you can do the whole process online: from the simulation of proposals to the execution of the contract. Doctor Finance is a credit intermediary that helps in the comparison of proposals and helps you choose the best solution for your case. I want help from a Doctor Read more: Efficiency in energy and water consumption: How and why?