IF YOU PAY to heat your home, you should look at the Greener Homes Grant Scheme. It supports the installation of a range of renewable energy heating systems in houses over the coming years. The technologies which are being supported include geothermal heating systems, solar water heating systems and wood chip and wood pellet heating systems. Sustainable Energy Ireland has more details. If you're thinking about pulling down some grant money because you can feel drafts, then you're going to be heating an inefficient house. Installing solar panels or other technology will not stop drafts or solve cold floors. Things to consider:
- Solar Heating. Does your home have a roof facing south? Is it the correct pitch?
- Heat Pumps. Does your house have a garden as big as the footprint of the house? Do you use underfloor heating, because heat pumps bring radiators up to 50 degree Celsius which is not enough for a standard radiator.
- Pellet Fuel Stoves. Can you afford to buy your pellets in bulk? If you buy 1000 litres of heating oil at a time, you will have the funds to do this. Can you give away a space that is eight foot by six foot in size.
We will podcast our adventure into the Greener Homes Grant during the months ahead.
DISCLOSURE: I work with the lads in Sustainable Energy Ireland.
