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Unsplash/Dan Gold

QUIZ: Is Your Home As Energy Efficient As You Think It Is?

You could be wasting energy day-to-day without even realising.

WITH SOLAR PANELS, aerated taps and A-rated appliances now coming as standard in many new homes, it’s becoming easier and easier to maximise your home’s energy efficiency.

As well as saving you money on bills, an energy-efficient home can add significantly to your home’s overall value. In fact, according to the ESRI, a house labelled as “energy efficient” can fetch 9 per cent more on the market versus a house with a lower energy rating.

It’s clear that living sustainably has plenty of benefits, but even with the best of intentions, could you be wasting energy at home without realising?

Take our quiz to find out how energy efficient your home really is…

1. What kind of windows do you have at home?
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Single-glazed
Double-glazed

Secondary-glazed (an internal glass panel layered inside)
Something else
2. Speaking of windows, do yours tend to fog up?
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Yes, especially in winter
Only if it's really, really warm inside the room

Nope, never
3. What type of lightbulb features most commonly in your house?
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Incandescent
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Halogen

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CFLs (Compact Fluorescent)
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LED
4. You're at home by yourself for the evening. How many lights are on?
Only the ones in the room I'm currently in
The ones in the room I'm currently in, plus the hallway too

All of them. It's cosier that way
5. How often do you turn your heating on in winter?
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An hour or two in the morning and evening
It's always on, tbh

If it's really, really cold, I'll turn it on
Never
6. Do you use a thermostat to control your heating?
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Yes
No
7. It's time for bed. How do you turn your TV off?
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I switch the screen off, but leave it switched on at the wall
I switch the screen off and switch it off at the wall

I don't own a TV
8. If you have a computer at home, what type is it?
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Desktop
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Laptop

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Tablet
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I don't own a computer
9. How do you dry your clothes most often? Choose one option.
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With a tumble drier
Outside in the air

With a radiator or dehumidifier
Answer all the questions to see your result!
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You scored out of !
Good work! Sounds like your home is very energy efficient
Insulation, energy-saving bulbs, solar panelling, the lot. Both you and your home get an A-rating for energy. Read on for one more smart way to boost your home's energy-saving capabilities...
Share your result:
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You scored out of !
Well done! Sounds like your home is fairly energy efficient
You get an A-rating for effort, but there are still a few energy efficiency boxes left to tick. Read on for one smart way to boost your home's energy-saving capabilities...
Share your result:
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You scored out of !
Uh-oh! Sounds like your home is an energy waster...
Don't panic though, there are plenty of small-scale changes you can start making right away. Read on for one smart way to boost your home's energy rating...
Share your result:

Want a home that’s more energy efficient and saves you money? Get yourself Winter-ready and switch to Bord Gáis Energy online to receive a free boiler service and 14% off your gas*. Switch online at bordgaisenergy.ie. *T&Cs apply.

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