74% of adults plan to do a spring clean this year with 3 in 4 of those planning to take on better energy habits as part of their spring clean.

Key Research Findings:

• 74% of adults are planning to spring clean this year, 75% of which will take on better energy habits as part of their spring clean.
• Difficulty changing bad energy habits the number one reason preventing Irish households from adopting more energy-efficient practices.
• Just under 25% of adults are still unaware of energy-saving settings on their appliances.

As the first snowdrops peek through and we welcome the beginning of spring, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start and reviving good habits. Pinergy, Ireland’s leading energy transition company, commissioned new research conducted my iReach, which reveals that 74% of Irish adults plan to spring clean this year.

Pinergy’s research shows that 75% of those that will be doing a spring clean this year plan to take on better energy habits as part of their tidy up mission. Just like decluttering your home, refreshing your energy usage can lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective household.

But good intentions only go so far and the Pinergy research indicates that the difficulty of changing bad energy habits is the number reason preventing Irish households from adopting more energy-efficient practices. This was followed by lack of awareness of how to be more energy efficient and an unwillingness by other household members (spouse, children etc.) to change their energy habits.

Surprisingly, the research also indicates that almost one in four adults are still unaware of the energy-saving settings on their appliances such as eco-mode and cold wash, so we still have some way to go.

As a first step, households need to understand their high and low usage appliances. When you buy your next appliance or device, make sure that it is as energy efficient as possible. Always remember, home electrical appliances that heat or cool use the most electricity, kettles, fridges, ovens and microwaves all top the list of high energy users.

Secondly you need to use your high energy using appliances in a smarter way. Maybe you can use them for a shorter period of time or turn down the heat. Perhaps there is a more efficient setting you can use to suit your needs better.

Pinergy’s easy-to-follow tips set out some of the simple actions you can take this spring to avoid any unnecessary energy over-consumption in your home.

Target Energy Hogs: Those everyday appliances can be surprisingly energy hungry. Here’s how to tame them:

• Showers: Showers are your friend. Ditch the long, luxurious baths; they use a lot more energy. A low-flow showerhead can also make a big splash in your savings.
• Tumble Dryers: Embrace the fresh spring air! Line-drying your clothes is the most energy-efficient way to go. If you must use the dryer, make sure it’s packed full and use the eco-mode.
• Washing Machines: Most clothes don’t need a hot wash, so switch to a colder setting and choose the shortest cycle that gets the job done. And remember, a full load is a happy load (for your wallet and the planet).
• Kettles: Boil only the amount of water needed. So if you’re making a cup of coffee, just boil what you need for the cup – not the full kettle!
• Ovens: Resist the urge to peek! Every time you open the oven door, you’re letting precious heat escape. And skip the preheat whenever possible.
• Refrigerators/Freezers: Give your fridge and freezer a little TLC. Make sure the doors are sealed tight and avoid overfilling them.

Lighten Up:

• Embrace the daylight: Throw open those curtains and blinds and let the natural light flood in. It’s free, it’s cheerful, and it’s good for the planet.
• Switch to LEDs: LED bulbs use way less energy than traditional halogen bulbs and last much longer.
• Flip the Switch: This one’s simple, when you leave a room, turn off the lights. It’s a small action with a big impact.

Banish the Energy Vampires:

• Unplug and unwind: Many devices and appliances suck up energy even when they’re not in use. These “phantom loads” are sneaky energy vampires. Unplug them when you’re not using them, or use a power strip to easily switch them off all at once.
• Fight the red-light monster: That little red light on your TV or other appliances is a sign that energy is being wasted. Turn devices off at the socket to banish the red-light monster and save on your energy bills.
• Charge smart: Don’t overcharge your devices. Once they’re fully charged, unplug them. It’s good for your battery’s health and your wallet.

David Slattery, Head of Communications at Pinergy, said, “At Pinergy, we believe that small changes can make a big difference, both for individual households and the environment. By taking these few simple steps and incorporating energy habits into your spring clean this year, households can contribute to a greener future while saving money on their energy bills.”

Research Information

Research was conducted by iReach on behalf of Pinergy. The research sampled 1000 respondents from across Ireland, 51% female and 49% male.