In the home

The Energy Efficiency Certificate grades buildings depending on their energy consumption on a scale from A to G.

When you buy or rent a property, find out about the quality and quantity of thermal insulation used.

With good isolation on outer surfaces, you will gain in comfort and save money through lower heat losses.

Lower the sun blinds and close curtains at night to avoid losing heat from inside.

Install double glazing or double windows with frames with double bridge breakage. High-transmittance glass offers the best insulation.

Ensure that sun blind boxes do not have cracks, and that they are suitably insulated.

Detect air currents from the movement of the curtains next to the sun blind boxes, and at any other point where air can come in from outside.

To cover cracks and reduce air entering through doors and windows, use silicon, putty or weather strips.

Heating systems should not be used to feel hot, but to not feel cold.

Regulate the thermostat to 20ºC, the ideal temperature for a home. For each degree above 20º, consumption increases (unnecessarily) by 7%.

When you replace heaters, do so with "high performance" models that save energy: it is worthwhile spending a little more on their purchase.

Collective central heating with individualised measurement and control is recommended from the energy and economic point of view.

At night, turn off the heating or reduce the temperature to 17-19ºC, except in very cold areas or buildings without insulation.

A room can be aired in 10 minutes. Heating cold air is very expensive.

Do not cover or obstruct radiators, the air needs to circulate to heat well.

The installation of thermostatic valves on radiators in certain rooms allows you to save between 5% and 10% of energy.

In general, electric heating systems are not recommended from the energy point of view.

Only use domestic hot water when it is necessary. Saving water = saving energy.

Rationalise water consumption. Do not leave taps running while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.

Avoid leaks and drips of hot water.

Take a shower instead of a bath. One bath is equivalent to 3 or 4 showers in terms of water consumption.

Install thermostatic taps and low-consumption shower heads.

If a bathroom of kitchen still has individual taps for hot and cold water, change them for a single mixer tap.

Remember that the water used will later be processed in a treatment plant that requires a certain amount of energy.

Domestic hot water storage tanks and pipework should be well insulated.

Thermal solar energy is ideal for storing hot water in homes. It can reduce the energy cost of heating water by up to 60%.

When you buy a home it is important to ask for information on its energy quality. Take this into account in your purchasing decision, because energy consumption has a big impact on quality of life and the family budget.

To obtain information on the energy quality of your home, ensure that the building specifications contain details of insulation, glazing and the characteristics of the heating, domestic hot water and air conditioning systems.

A good bioclimatic design can save up to 70% in climatization and lighting, with just a small increase in construction costs.