Smart tips to save energy with your heating

One of the most efficient ways to heat your home as well as save energy is to choose a heat pump. These systems extract heat from the outside air (air-water heat pump) or the ground (ground-water heat pump) and convert it into heating for your home. The big advantage is that for every unit of electricity consumed, you often get back several units of heat, leading to much lower energy consumption compared to traditional gas-fired heating systems.

Why a heat pump?

• A heat pump can be up to four times more efficient than a traditional heating system, meaning you'll use up to 75% less energy.
• Since heat pumps run on electricity, you can even make your energy consumption completely carbon-free when combined with green electricity.
• Heat pumps have a long lifespan and require less maintenance than, say, a central heating boiler.

An often overlooked way to save energy is to set your thermostat properly. With a heat pump, it's often not necessary to set the heating temperature extremely high. It's all about finding the right balance.

Tips for thermostat settings:

• Lower the temperature when you are not home. By lowering the temperature (for example, to 15-16°C) when you go out or at night, you will save significantly on your energy costs.
• Use a programmable thermostat. A smart thermostat allows you to automatically turn the heating on or off at different times of the day. This eliminates the need to constantly tinker with the settings yourself.
• Heat only the rooms you use. Turn down the heat in unused rooms and focus your energy on the rooms you actually use.

What many people don't know is that the efficiency of your heating system depends heavily on the degree of insulation in your home. The better insulated your home is, the less heat is lost and the less your heating system has to work. This also applies to heat pumps.

Improve insulation:

• A good floor insulation and roof insulation help keep heat inside and prevents cold air from outside from entering your home.
• Replace your old windows. Double glazing can prevent a lot of heat loss. With well-insulated windows, you can heat at a lower temperature, which reduces energy consumption.
• Check regularly for gaps around doors and windows and use draft strips to keep warm air in.

Many people think that air conditioners can only cool, but these days there are also air-to-air air conditioners that can both heat and cool. These systems work similarly to heat pumps, but in reverse. They are extremely efficient and can be a great alternative to traditional heating in milder climates.

Air conditioners are energy efficient because, like heat pumps, they use outside air to cool your home heating, which makes them more efficient than traditional gas heating systems. They reach the desired temperature quickly, so you don't have to wait long to make your home comfortable. Moreover, air conditioners offer versatility, as they can not only heat but also cool in the summer months, so you benefit from an energy-efficient solution for both heating and cooling all year round. Thus, there are many benefits associated with it.

Regular maintenance is essential to maintaining the energy efficiency of your heating system. This applies to traditional central heating boilers as well as heat pumps and air conditioners. By performing regular maintenance, problems can be detected early, keeping your system functioning optimally.

Tips for proper maintenance:

• Clean the filters of your air conditioner or heat pump regularly to ensure that airflow remains optimal and your system operates efficiently.
• Check coolant and gas levels of your heat pump to ensure that the system continues to operate at the correct temperature.
• Have a professional inspect your system annually to extend service life and ensure efficiency.

Want to really take saving energy a step further? Then consider connecting your heat pump or air conditioner to a solar panel system. With solar energy, you can power your heating and cooling system in a sustainable way, significantly lowering your energy costs while reducing your carbon footprint.