The best way to save energy is to optimise the use of electronic devices daily. Indeed, there are now systems designed to regulate your energy consumption. In this piece, we focus on the temperature controller, an important device whose main role is to ensure the programming of the temperature inside a home. This equipment allows the optimisation of your heating energy consumption. Its price varies according to the power of the installation and especially the type chosen.
As the name suggests, a temperature controller is a device designed to regulate the temperature in a house. Generally speaking, this device consists of a sensor that measures the room temperature.
This makes it easy to compare the room temperature with the desired temperature from the user’s point of view, and with precision. In addition, the main role of the temperature controller is to effectively maintain the temperature desired by the occupants in a room, regardless of the weather variations outside. Coupled with a control element, such as a heater, this system guarantees total comfort.
However, it should be noted that optimised insulation of the house is strongly recommended before installing such device. This option allows you to avoid heat loss.
Having a temperature conditioning system at home has countless benefits, both in terms of improving your daily comfort and reducing the cost of your power bill. Indeed, thanks to the introduction of such a device, you will be able to reduce your energy consumption by up to 25%.
By going for a temperature regulator, you can benefit from optimal living comfort at low cost. Not to mention that this device allows you to easily control the temperature inside your home on an hourly basis. Finally, the installation of this device allows you to adapt the inside temperature according to the outside climate.
To install a temperature conditioning system, it is advisable to follow the instructions on the packaging. If you have some DIY knowledge, you can do this by yourself. However, you can call on the services of a qualified installer to make sure that the work is carried out properly.
Saving energy at home is possible and easier than it seems. All you need to do is adopt certain habits. Consistency is the key to success and the following tips can help you save a few euros on your energy bill.
Opening up the windows and taking advantage of natural light is a great option to avoid wasting energy all year round. For hot weather, lowering awnings allows you to reduce the need for air conditioning.
In winter, the use of blacked-out areas allows you to benefit from the heat inside the house. Unsurprisingly, one of the most efficient ways to save energy at home is to turn off the lights when leaving a room. It may be a good idea to install movement sensors that turn the lights on or off when you enter or leave a room. On the other hand, it should be taken into account that LED or low-energy lamps use less energy, which will lead to significant savings.
Covering pots and pans to speed up the cooking process and save electricity is a good idea. Note that once switched off, ceramic plates remain hot for a few minutes, so one of the smartest ways of saving energy is to use this residual heat to finish cooking your food. It is then essential to choose the right cookware so that the latter is suitable for the amount of food and the size of the ceramic plate. Quality cookware with a domestic base is most efficient and pressure cookers only allow energy savings of 75%.
Electrical appliances continue to consume power even when they are switched off. This is called “silent consumption” or “phantom consumption”. That little red light that appears on TVs, computers, electric toothbrushes or radiators when they are switched off but connected to the grid, may result in extra energy consumption and thus significant expenses.
One of the best ways of avoiding this is to use a multi-purpose device to connect and disconnect various appliances. This way, it is more convenient to turn them off with a simple gesture. Note that cold or low temperature wash programmes use less energy, which helps you reduce your power bill. You can also save money if you go for shorter programmes and thus run appliances at full load.
In these difficult times, people are more and more becoming up-to-date with the environmental issues surrounding them. Indeed, society is increasingly looking for ways to mitigate environmental damage. Most people have now adopted sustainable attitudes with economic benefits and solar heating is a solution that perfectly illustrates this awareness…
When installing a solar water heater in your home, you are using a sustainable source of energy with no significant negative impact on the environment. Depending on the region, country, and local climate, sunlight can usually be used on a daily basis, most of the year. Water heating using this method is an excellent alternative to other types, as it uses a clean, sustainable and renewable source, proving to be an environmentally friendly option. The benefits are not only reflected on the household energy bills but also on the national and even global scales. By using solar water heating, you contribute to the diversification of the energy resources and relieve yourself from electricity dependence, thus reducing the need to produce energy through unsustainable means such as thermoelectric power plants.
Solar water heaters offer greater user comfort. Depending on the capacity and type of solar thermal tank chosen, showers can be taken with a higher water flow rate and pressure and with maximum temperature stability, all of which contribute to a relaxing and comfortable bath. Even systems with small, low-pressure tanks still allow for more comfortable showers than those obtained with an electric shower. For instance, the water flow rate and temperature are reversed: increase the water flow rate and the water tends to get colder.
The energy costs of heating water are usually very significant. In some cases, they can reach up to 40% of the total energy consumption of a house! Therefore, heating systems such as thermal solar heating should be used to as they present a good return on investment. However, for the savings to be of big benefit, the system must be properly sized according to the consumer’s needs and appropriately installed by a qualified professional.
A biogas plant is a set of devices that simultaneously produces electricity, heat, and environmentally friendly fertilisers. Its main task is the production of biogas, which takes place during the anaerobic methane fermentation process of various organic substances or waste.
The organic substances in the substrates are broken down with the help of methane bacteria. It should be noted that fermentation is a multi-stage process, the first step being hydrolysis, which leads to the breakdown of organic polymers into structurally simpler compounds. This includes the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, lipids into alcohols as well as higher fatty acids and carbohydrates into monosaccharides. The second step is acidogenesis, in which carboxylic acids are produced from the products of hydrolysis. The step after is acetogenesis, in which acetate is produced by heterotrophs from glucose and by autotrophs from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The fourth stage is methanogenesis, i.e. the production of methane by methanogens from acetate or by reduction of carbon dioxide by hydrogen. The first three steps take a few minutes, while the genesis of methanogenic bacteria takes several tens to hundreds of hours.
The basic component of biogas is methane, which makes up 52-85% of the total mixture. Indeed, the methane content is the most determining factor in using biogas for energy purposes. The next most important component is carbon dioxide, whose share ranges from 14 to 48%. In addition to these two components, hydrogen sulphide (0.08-5.5%), hydrogen (0-5.5%), carbon monoxide (0-2.1%), nitrogen (0.6-7.5%) and oxygen (0-1%) as well as moisture and solid particles can also be found in trace amounts.
The list of substrates that can be used in a biogas plant is very long and it includes cereals, grasses, domestic waste, sewage and landfill sludge, manure, tubers, whey, silage, slaughterhouse waste, and many other components, the most productive being maize silage, some types of sewage waste and grasses. It is now common for a biogas plant to process a mixture of several substrates. This technique is known as co-digestion. The diversification of substrates helps improve process parameters and increases security when it comes to feedstock supply. The inputs to a biogas plant must guarantee a high biogas yield, a stable fermentation process, and the possibility of using the resulting digestate in accordance with current legislation. In large biogas plants, the fermentation of a mixture of animal manure with waste from the food industry or energy crops is used. The appropriate mixture composition at the design stage should be picked by an experienced technologist. Finally, for the safety of the fermentation process, it is advisable to systematically test the substrates in a laboratory.
As the price of electricity has been increasing in recent years, biogas has proven to be an interesting alternative, allowing for both green electricity and very affordable prices. Indeed, the waste methanisation technique offers many advantages such as the production of heat, fuel and electricity. But how is energy produced through this anaerobic digestion? Here is our answer!
Also called methanisation, anaerobic digestion is a natural phenomenon in which decomposable products or materials are broken down by bacteria acting in the absence of oxygen. Scientists call this process anaerobic fermentation. This procedure is very reliable because it produces biogas which is considered renewable energy and consists of up to 70% methane, carbon dioxide and compost. The latter can be used as a fertiliser, while the biogas can be transformed into fuel, heat, or electricity. This phenomenon of methanisation occurs naturally in marshes, where certain plant and animal matter decomposes and produces air bubbles at the surface.
Methanisation or methanation is a more or less complex process that consists of storing organic waste in a dedicated, hermetically sealed cylindrical tank. These tanks, otherwise known as digesters, reactors, or fermenters, operate at an ambient temperature of 35°C. Methanisation is triggered automatically by micro-organisms in the absence of air. Depending on the type, a modern reactor can produce up to 10 m3 of biogas per day for each cubic metre of waste introduced. The size and shape of the gas production units vary according to the need for thermal use. For instance, you can find a small digester of 100 m3 at a farmer’s site, while an unusual biogas plant can have up to 40 huge reactors.
Biogas can be used for the production of heat, electricity, or both at the same time. Professionals in the field also inject it into the gas network after removing unwanted impurities such as CO2. Some companies also use biogas to produce fuel for CNG or natural gas vehicles. Engineers in several European countries are currently developing innovative projects for the production of biogas fuel to facilitate public transport. Currently, many countries around the world have joined the race to install biogas plants.
Many people use gas as their main source of energy. The consumption of natural gas remains indeed an important expense despite a downward trend in price. If you happen to be wondering, like many people, how to determine the cost of your gas consumption and what criteria are important for an accurate assessment, continue reading.
As with electricity, determining gas consumption is relatively easy. To choose the most suitable contract, some important certain criteria must be taken into account, including the price per kWh applied by the gas suppliers, of which there are no less than 30 on the market.
In addition to the so-called statutory rates, gas costs are set differently on the market. Therefore, it is recommended to use an online energy comparator. Note that actual consumption, which is a value shown on the gas meter, is the basis for calculating those tariffs.
When it comes to gas use, it is also possible to select an offer for only one of the several applications possible.
Firstly, it is important to note that the gas meter reading reflects consumption in m3 and that the kilowatt-hours consumed are consequently reflected in your bill. Generally speaking, the consumption in m3 must be multiplied by a conversion factor.
Depending on the living area, this factor can range between 10 and 11. To convert gas consumption into kWh, you simply multiply the m3 indicated on the gas meter by the consumption factor, hence the importance, above all, of knowing the meter readings. The easiest way to figure out the average price of gas consumption is to read the meter and then distinguish the current reading from the previous one. It also depends on the priority customs area with respect to the estimated number of kWh consumed.
Different gas suppliers, which also happen to be electricity suppliers, are competing with each other to reduce the prices associated with gas consumption. As mentioned above, the tariff applied by the supplier is decisive when it comes to evaluating the price of gas consumption. The choice of supplier, therefore, mainly depends on your profile and your expectations.
You are thinking of changing your energy supplier, but you don’t know when the best time to do it is? Is it possible to do it at any time or is there a right time? How exactly does one proceed to change energy suppliers? Here are all the answers to these questions…
It is perfectly possible to change energy suppliers at any time, regardless of the type of contract you have signed, i.e. whether it is a permanent or fixed-term agreement. However, it is important to bear in mind that there is usually a one-month notice period for doing so. Not to mention that there are better times to change supplier. It is good to do so the moment you realise, with the help of a simulator, that you can save money by switching energy providers. You can also do this when wholesale electricity and gas prices fall. Note that it is ideal to take those steps immediately if your consumption is negative because the meter resets to 0 k Wh, resulting in the loss of the excess production.
Switching energy suppliers is usually free of charge as there is no fee to pay for terminating the old contract and taking out a new offer. You only pay the balance of the consumption up to the date of termination with the old supplier. On the other hand, you should take into account joint offers that may contain separate services that could, for instance, require you to pay a tax when you terminate the contract. It is therefore important to check the contents of your contract to see what conditions are included.
There are two ways to choose your energy supplier: using comparison tools or making the choice yourself. Indeed, several online tools and comparators are available to you to compare energy supplier rates. In order to make the best pick, you should use comparators that are part of official bodies. You can also look at those provided by commercial companies that offer interesting promotional rates. If you have decided to choose yourself, there are some key points to consider; check the terms and conditions of the contract carefully to see if additional services or fees are included. Also, check the response time of the customer service as well as late payment charges.
Electricity and gas bills amount to an important part of a company’s net spending. Therefore, it is useful to regularly evaluate your energy mix. However, it is not always easy to choose the best deals for a business. That’s why using the help of energy comparators is the way to go!
An energy comparator is a tool that allows you to compare different electricity and gas offers according to your consumption, profile, and location. An efficient energy comparator will help you find the most suitable offer for your needs. Compare electricity supplier prices for free using online tools and make budget savings on your monthly expenses.
There are different types of rates applied on the energy distribution networks, including regulatory tariffs and market offers. Among the most common proposals are flat-rate fees. These give beneficiaries confidence in their energy costs per kWh for an indefinite period. In particular, the price per kWh has not changed over the years, regardless of market developments. Increases in electricity or natural gas prices will not affect consumers, but at the same time, they can fall back on the regulated rates. The energy comparison system consists of obtaining a series of available suppliers and offers by entering various personal data such as energy consumption habits or the geographical location of one’s home. From then on, it will be very easy for users to evaluate the prices and choose the one that best suits their needs and is the most interesting in terms of cost.
Some suppliers charge a monthly fee; others do not, and most charge a rate per kWh depending on where you live. Although the information used by other energy comparison platforms is the same, different methods may be implemented to interpret and present the information. It should be noted that some websites may update price indications more regularly than others. Unlike most competing companies, the fundamentals of competing energy suppliers are similar. Regardless of the company chosen, you receive the same electricity and gas through the same cables and pipes. Energy suppliers have different levels of customer service, but the price is the only determining factor in choosing a supplier, hence the need to use a comparator.
Homes are often very energy-intensive. Indeed, the bigger the household, the higher the bill. Large hot water tanks, several cast iron radiators, and big heat consumption all add up. It should be noted that gas heating provides a comfortable temperature by providing diffuse and gentle heat.
It is not advisable to heat a large flat solely with an old energy-consuming electric radiator. Indeed, electric heating is cost-effective in most situations, as it can be activated electrically with a ground source heat pump or an air/water heat exchanger. These installations represent a certain initial investment that could consume less energy in the long run. To reduce energy wastage, it is recommended that you use an electricity comparator. Depending on certain climatic conditions, the mixed heating solution combined with thermal insulation can save you annual costs. In southern regions, modern connected radiators can be a backup solution for mild winters.
It is very important for large family households to adjust the electricity provided to their consumption patterns. The power of the house is the maximum number of electrical appliances that should be used simultaneously. For instance, let’s say that an average house with a relatively big surface uses 9 kVa of power, for large houses with heated pools or energy-intensive installations, 12 kVa meters must be provided. In addition, the electricity in your home is dependent on energy-consuming appliances such as electric water heaters, washing machines, and heated indoor swimming pools.
It is crucial that you pick the right type of electrical household appliance to reduce energy costs, especially if your house is fairly big. Older fridges and dishwashers are very energy-intensive, whether they are bought cheaper or just inherited. A large house will certainly have a separate freezer or tumble dryer that you use frequently. For a better choice of appliances, refer to the label indicating the energy class. The newest connected appliances such as TVs, computers and gaming accessories use less energy when switched off at night. If you want to do this more often, you can use a switch to connect all your screens to a multi-socket.
The main benefit of using green energy is its low impact on the environment. This type of energy also offers an excellent alternative to the increasing scarcity of resources used by humans.
When we talk about green energy, we often refer to 2 specific characteristics: renewable and clean.
Renewable or green energy is indeed derived from sustainable sources. These are inexhaustible in terms of abundance and because they are replenished more quickly compared to their number of uses.
This is not the case with fossil fuels: oil, natural gas, and coal. These natural resources are threatened with depletion due to their excessive extraction and intensive use.
Green energy is clean, as it is very little, if not non-polluting in its production and consumption. It clearly emits a lower amount of CO₂ than other energy sources, almost zero for some types.
The 3 main green energies are hydropower, solar power and wind power.
Hydropower is still the most popular, but also the most cost-effective of them all. The energy which comes from a stream of water is captured in order to generate power. The water is forced to rise in pressure to produce energy. It is stored in dams or reservoirs and then released by creating openings in these dams, which then produces pressure.
Solar energy is one of the most popular ways of producing green electricity. Solar panels capture the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity that can be used directly.
Wind power is powered by the wind. In this mechanism, an internal rotor turning a generator produces electricity. However, it should be noted that many wind turbines are needed to have a significant impact.
Green electricity is produced from renewable energy sources. It is usually produced from hydro, wind, and solar energy. The same grid that carries nuclear electricity then carries it for use in many homes.
Green gas, on the other hand, is often known for its much lower cost than natural gas. It is a clean renewable energy source and is also known as renewable gas or biogas. It is produced by fermenting organic material such as household or agricultural waste and then collecting it in a closed tank. These organics are heated, which later leads to the formation of the gas. Ultimately, it is up to you to choose the best way of switching to green energy.