In order to considerably limit your water consumption, some everyday actions should be implemented as they can make a big difference. It is important to note that the following tips mainly affect your home equipment.
Leaks can sometimes be noticeable and take the form of a dripping tap. Indeed, the latter tends to be underestimated as it can represent a loss of 35 m3 per year. A leaky flush can lose up to 175 m3. It is therefore important to identify water leaks in order to repair them as soon as practicable.
To identify whether the problem is with your taps or your flush, you can attach a paper towel to the former. Also, put some on the top of the toilet bowl. The part where the paper gets wet is usually the source of the leak. You can repair it with gaskets or call in a professional if the damage is severe.
The dual flush option is usually more economical as it is environmentally friendly. You have a choice of two buttons that determine the amount of water to be flushed according to your needs. The first speed can release about 3 to 5 litres while the second has a discharge capacity of between 6 and 10 litres per second.
Conventional flushes that do not have a speed option will mechanically release 9 to 12 litres peruse. Economy flushes are often already installed in households. If not, you can have the old models replaced.
A tap aerator reduces your water consumption by limiting the flow rate of your tap and provides some sort of comfort. This device works by injecting air into the flowing water to create a vacuum. If your tap is flowing at 12 litres per minute, with an aerator this would become 6 litres. A tap aerator usually costs less than 10 euros. It is also easy to install, so there is no need to call in a professional.
All 27 EU countries use the same energy labelling system to compare household appliances. However, the classes of these devices are confusing for buyers looking for a balance between performance and environmental friendliness. If you want to know more about why you should go for an A+++ rated appliance, this guide will give you all the information you need.
As technology has evolved over time, so have appliances. In fact, the classes in question are designed to distinguish appliances according to the technology used. Previously, energy labels included 7 energy classes ranging from A to G.
This change, which at first sight seems mundane, was generated by the legislators’ awareness of technological developments. These include developments in the manufacture of household appliances. The A++ class, therefore, includes the most efficient appliances that are most often found on the market.
It should be noted that since 2013, refrigerators and freezers of the least energy-efficient classes have been banned from production and sale. At present, you will no longer see appliances of class A+, A++, and A+++ in the shops. These categories are ranked from the most energy-intensive to the least energy-intensive. In fact, the A+++ class is the most energy-efficient.
Between the different classes, there is on average 20% less energy consumption. For instance, an appliance that is rated A++ will consume 40% less energy than one that is rated A+. The energy efficiency index determines these categories. This takes into account the volume and temperature of the various components of the appliance and its annual energy consumption.
Not only do you save money through reduced energy consumption, but you also benefit from a more attractive price. A+++ class appliance is therefore more profitable, as it understandably offers a better return on investment. Not to mention that you will also pollute less and benefit from a longer-lasting appliance. A+++ class green appliance is known to be more cost-effective, as the savings can offset the cost of purchase. In other words, even if the whole action represents an additional cost, you will be able to recoup it on your energy bill.
For the energy improvement of a house, it is usually necessary to change the old heaters. Thanks to much more efficient equipment, you can not only gain thermal comfort but also lower your bills, especially knowing that heating accounts for approximately 60% of the total energy consumption of a house. Read on and find out how to replace your heater for better comfort.
It is worth noting that you can save up to 45% on your power bill by using a smart heater, i.e. one that is equipped with a control and programming system. These recent home automation devices are perfectly suited to your needs.
In addition, the use of a more efficient heater model that consumes less energy can be very interesting in terms of savings. The most energy-efficient heaters are, for instance, low-temperature water heaters. These offer more uniform heat and pleasant comfort.
Replacing old heaters can greatly improve thermal comfort in winter and also reduce the ecological footprint of your home. The reason is that old radiators such as the famous “toaster” cause excessive energy consumption.
It is strongly recommended to replace your heater outside the heating season. To do so, you should start by cutting off the general water supply, then closing the control/inlet knob. Next, carry out the purge by putting a container under the valve and turning the bleed screw with a spanner. Afterwards, partially unscrew the valve/return connection by placing a container underneath it so that the water can drain out. When the radiator is drained, unscrew it completely with a spanner. Next, unscrew the inlet fitting and remove your old radiator from its place on the wall. Finally, you only have to position the new heater on the junctions if it is compatible, and also if the connections (inlet and return) are positioned in the same place. If your new appliance cannot be installed in the same position as the old one, you will need to carry out some additional work (drilling, welding of new pipes, etc.)
– Cast iron water heaters: efficient, soft and easily diffuse heat, excellent inertia, come in different designs, slower to heat up, should not be fixed to a fragile wall because of their weight.
– Steel water heaters: efficient, quick to heat up, comfortable, stylish and modern, have lower inertia, suitable for a modern home with good insulation.
– Aluminium water radiators: good inertia, light, easy to install, but costly for low-temperature models.
– Electric inertia radiators: heat storage and gentle diffusion over time, economical, efficient, and bulky.
– Infrared electric radiators or radiant panels: efficient, gentle and economical.
A house will experience heat loss in every wall that connects to the outside. Consequently, walls, windows, floors, and especially roofs are sources of massive energy loss and soaring heating costs.
The prospect of energy renovation projects can be a worrying one due to budget issues, administrative formalities for obtaining help, working hours, etc. But renovating your home is a way to make it more efficient, healthier, and less of a financial burden. This is usually the main motivation for undertaking such projects. Since a well-insulated home does not consume much energy, the initial financing should ultimately help you save money. Enjoy thermal comfort all year round. The renovated house allows you to enjoy a better heat distribution in winter and a milder climate in summer. In addition, it is a great opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint as improving thermal efficiency helps protect the environment.
Investing in a high-performance heating system with a programmable thermostat helps you save energy and money. But if the heat escapes through the attic and roof, everything turns into a big waste. Did you know that the roof accounts for at least 30% of the heat leakage from a house? This is by no means insignificant! Insulating your attic and roof is thus not just one of the many energy renovation options: it is a priority! Is your geographical region warm? This is not a valid excuse, insulation is indeed almost as much about heat as it is about heatwaves! If you want to renovate your house, insulation is the place to start! Once the latter is complete, all subsequent investments will become more efficient and more cost-effective.
The insulation requirements are not the same whether you have a convertible attic or a non-convertible one. In either case, attic insulation is usually done from the inside. Often, the insulation of a converted attic is done in the form of rolls or sheets that are immediately attached to the inside of the roof. This is expensive but more practical and easier to do for loft insulation. Therefore, it is often done by blowing foam onto the floor of the lost attic.
The new energy regulations urge citizens to have a thermal energy carrier. Green energy has become a priority to preserve nature. Older buildings will have to undergo energy renovation to comply with standards. Owners will have to find solutions to transform their houses energy-wise. But what are the options available to them?
Energy renovation of an old building consists of changing the energy sources in the house. It starts with electricity, water and then gas. It is necessary to change the power supply of the house in favour of green sources. The same applies to water and gas. In order to do this, several works will have to be carried out to accommodate the new installations. The structure of the house must be modified and some modifications must be added. The installations must also be able to support the new tools of the ecological transition. It is, therefore, preferable to call on a professional to carry out the migration.
To revamp the energy sources of an old building, the first step is to learn about the new energy regulations. Next, you need to prepare all the necessary tools to carry out the work and find the materials needed for the installations. The budget must also be taken into account as it is a key element for the renovation to go according to plan. But this is not enough, because you also need to have a good knowledge of construction works. It is necessary to know the methods of the renovation as well as the new energy standards. It is, therefore, best to entrust this work to a professional.
There are several ways to renovate an old building, the first one of them being wind turbines. These are very efficient in producing electricity. However, you need a lot of space to set up one. The cost of this installation can also be very high. Fortunately, there are also solar photovoltaic panels available to you. These allow you to produce your own energy and comply with the law. Then, for gas, there is biomass, a process that consists of transforming excrement into an energy source. To implement any of these solutions, however, it is necessary to call on a professional as the installation is usually a bit complicated. Professionals in this field are usually able to meet all your expectations and desires.
There are many benefits to considering energy-efficient works. In the short term, this act will reduce your energy bills and increase your comfort. In the long term, the value of your assets in the property market will increase. The state strongly encourages the use of many types of equipment for this kind of renovation, but it is not always easy to find your way around. Here is our answer to the question: what kind of aid is available for energy renovation?
Here, we focus on energy transition assistance with respect to the tax credit. The latter follows the specific size of families with limited resources in order to provide the most help to the most deprived families.
The grouping of aid in the form of subsidies distributed by the government, coupled with the interest-free eco-loans to cover the remaining costs, has made it possible to increase the coverage of the costs of hot repair assistance. For the most efficient works, the premium can be as high as 10,000 euros.
Since its launch, this programme has become the main state aid for energy transformation, and all owner-occupiers, regardless of their income, all lessors and co-ownerships can benefit from it.
The Live Better programme has three components, depending on the beneficiary, such as owners with moderate resources, owners and donors and fragile co-ownership unions. It is a scheme that offers support, advice, and financial aid to carry out a series of projects that will save at least 25% of energy.
The energy-saving requirement will be increased to 35% to encourage more ambitious renovations. The programme is suitable for owner-occupiers of modest means and generally finances 60% of the total cost of the work, excluding taxes on the work.
In addition to the subsidies for energy conversion work, the zero rate eco-loans can reach up to 30,000 euros to finance the rest of the work. It is aimed at owner-occupiers or landlords and applies to housing completed more than 2 years prior to the demand.
To take advantage of a zero rate eco-loan, you must implement energy renovation actions or reach a minimum level of the overall energy performance of the house. This zero rate loan provides funds for the supply and installation of related equipment and materials, but also funds for inseparable works, project management fees, and the cost of any project assistance. It is issued by a bank that has signed an agreement with the state.
In a world where the energy transition is becoming increasingly urgent, households are starting to turn to greener heating solutions. Currently, among the most environmentally friendly heating systems is the heat pump. But before setting up such a system, it is important to understand how a heat pump works and which type is suitable for each home.
All heat pumps work in much the same way, i.e. by drawing the energy needed to heat the home from the surrounding environment: either from the air outside, from water, or the ground, the aim being to take advantage of a heating system that uses renewable energy at a lower cost. To transform the cold source into heat, the heat pump consists of four components: an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. Depending on the type of heat pump, it is possible to heat either the air alone or both the air and water at home.
At present, two families of heat pumps may be distinguished. The first is called a geothermal heat pump because it draws energy for heating from the ground or groundwater. Depending on the type of collector used, i.e. which horizontal or vertical, the pipes can go deeper into the ground. Horizontal collection requires an area of land twice the size of the house to be heated. With a vertical assemblage, the tubes can penetrate more than 100 m deep. However, if there is a water source under the ground, it is possible to use groundwater to supply the heating system.
In many cases, in housing that lacks an outdoor area, the aerothermal heat pump is used. In this situation, the heat pump draws heat from the outside or inside air. However, it should be noted that as soon as the temperature outside is too low, the air source heat pump is no longer able to perform its role and an alternative heating system must be used.
The air source heat pump is less convenient for a house with a small exterior and/or with other houses in the vicinity, as it makes a lot of noise, which could disturb the neighbours. However, soundproofing is usually available to remedy this problem. If the property has a small garden, it might be better to go for a geothermal heat pump with a vertical collection. Make sure, however, you request permission from the town hall before installation. In any case, it is best to let a professional guide you in choosing the right heat pump for your home.
Today, the technological progress in the production of electricity is simply incredible. Indeed, technicians have done a lot of research to use all possible resources to recover energy. Can you believe that it is now possible to produce electricity using rainwater? Read on to learn more about this technique.
To transform the energy of rain into electrical energy, technicians use a state-of-the-art equipment called piezoelectric whose operating is based on the exploitation of the mechanical energy of rain and the fascinating property of the quartz crystal. Indeed, the piezoelectric takes the form of a cylinder whose two sides are covered with quartz crystal.
As a reminder, the constituent atoms of a quartz crystal are negatively charged oxygen and positively charged silicon. Each time the raindrops fall on one of the flanks of the piezoelectric, the positive and negative charges are separated on either side of the hexagon.
In this way, an electric dipole is formed. The two sides of the piezoelectric are then connected by two separate electrical wires. As the raindrops exert pressure on it, electric current flows through it.
Recently, the Grenoble Institute for Research and Development was able to create a system for recovering electrical energy from rainwater. This device makes it possible to measure the energy recovered at each rain impact. It should also be noted that this system only affects raindrops with a diameter that ranges from 1 to 5 mm.
According to the measurements carried out with this device, a power value ranging from 1 to 12 milliwatts can be recovered. However, the researchers stated that these results are likely to improve in rainy areas, i.e. where raindrops are larger.
At present, the field of application of the piezoelectric effect is still very narrow, although the system is capable of supplying electrical energy to portable devices and small home appliances such as sensors or other microelectronic equipment.
However, according to scientists, the area of use this rain energy can still be expanded with a larger piezoelectric membrane and a regular raindrop frequency.
As we all know, the planet Earth has been long exposed to the likelihood of a lack of air for its inhabitants and the generations to come. The environment continues to deteriorate daily due to pollution and human actions. Thanks to recent discoveries, however, hydrogen is believed to be present in the world in a non-polluting way. It is currently known as an inexhaustible source of energy that scientists claim will save the planet. Thus, action plans for the exploitation of hydrogen have been launched from the year 2020 to finally reduce carbon dioxide emissions. But what exactly is the situation? Is hydrogen likely to be inexhaustible? What about its storage?
Hydrogen is now considered a renewable energy source that can compensate for those already in use. It is a light element that is widespread in the universe, but as it is not present in its pure state on Earth, it cannot be directly exploited but must be produced. The production of this element is done by the electrolysis of water. As water occupies a large part of the Earth’s surface, it can be said that there is enough of it to be exploited. Hydrogen is therefore a potential energy revolution for the whole world!
Thanks to the studies carried out by scientists, hydrogen is not only found in water but all liquid and solid media. This research has prompted governments and industries to invest in this new energy to meet some of the world’s needs. Saying it’s completely inexhaustible would be an exaggeration, but what is true is that the water we have will be used as fuel. Combined with oxygen, it will gradually become a source of heat and intense light.
It is said that this energy source will save the planet because it will meet at least a quarter of our needs. However, it is not completely environmentally friendly as it still emits gases during its production. Thus, hydrogen is called not only “green energy”, but sometimes also grey or blue energy. To achieve this mission, it will be necessary to manufacture at least 520 million tonnes per year of green hydrogen. This energy is created from hydrocarbons. But the process still emits too much carbon dioxide. Note that electrolysis also breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen. Finally, when the hydrogen is extracted, it is contained in storage tanks and transferred to truck tanks as compressed gas.
While also looking great, today’s wood-burning stoves are excellent sources of heat. You can set one up almost anywhere in the house, as long as it is possible to install the ventilation ducts. If you are considering buying a heater for your home or upgrading an existing one, check out the benefits of modern wood stoves in this piece first!
By choosing a modern wood-burning stove, you can heat any area of the room. Many wood stove types can almost completely replace a central heating system, the biggest advantage being the heat transfer performance of the device. This is because these systems work on the principle of radiant heat, which heats an area in a very short time. The warm air blowing through the ventilation system of a house offers increased efficiency and the powerful heat of the wood stoves radiates from all sides of the unit as well as from the top, releasing heat globally.
Wood is a cheap fuel source compared to oil, gas, and electricity. Therefore, homeowners who use strategic zone heating can save a lot of money on utility bills each year. Also, if you live in an area that experiences occasional power outages throughout the winter, a 100% self-contained heat source can be invaluable. With a reliable wood-burning stove, you’ll stay warm 24 hours a day, regardless of the gas or electricity supply.
A little-known benefit of a wood-burning stove is that some versions come with warming trays. With a little experience in regulating the temperature and positioning the dishes to be heated, you will find that the top surface of your wood stove is perfect for cooking and heating an endless variety of foods and meals. Finally, you’ll have no trouble finding a type that not only looks good but also perfectly fits the room you’re putting it in. Modern wood-burning stoves are available in different styles and sizes. This makes it easy to find one that perfectly suits the interior design of your home.