Our best tips and tricks to reduce energy consumption
Reducing energy consumption has become a priority for both environmental and economic reasons. A well thought-out renovation can transform an energy-efficient home into an affordable, comfortable and environmentally friendly home while Optimising the best space Housing. As a state-owned renovation company, we provide you with a comprehensive guide here to understand how renovation can help you effectively reduce your energy expenditures.
1. Why is energy consumption a major issue today?
1.1. Habitat weight in national consumption
In France, the residential sector represents about 30% of final energy consumption. Heating is the most energy efficient station (nearly 65%), followed by the production of hot water and household appliances. Renovating housing thus allows large-scale action on overall energy expenditure.
1.2. Impact on the invoice and the environment
Poor insulation, obsolete equipment, or inefficient ventilation lead to overconsumption that directly affects your bills. Not to mention the carbon footprint, which increases significantly with energy-efficient installations.
2. Thermal insulation: the first step
2.1. Why start with insulation?
Insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat penetration in summer. A well-insulated dwelling needs less energy to be heated or refreshed.
2.2. What elements should be isolated as a matter of priority?
(a) Roofs and roofs
The roof represents up to 30% of thermal losses In a poorly isolated house. Thermal insulation high performance in glass wool, cellulose wadding or bio-sourced materials can drastically reduce this loss.
(b) The walls
The walls are responsible for 20 to 25 per cent of heat loss and can be insulated either indoors or outdoors. Outdoor insulation (ITE) is more expensive but more thermally and acoustically efficient.
(c) Low floors
Poor soil insulation causes permanent cold sensations. Isolating low floors is particularly relevant in old houses or on sanitary vacuum.
(d) Windows
Single-glazed windows are real thermal colanders. Opting for double or triple glazing reduces losses by up to 15% while improving acoustic comfort.
3. Heating: Modernizing for Better Consumption
3.1. Replace old heating systems
The old oil or gas boilers are very energy efficient. These are replaced by more modern and efficient systems which enable the energy saving from 20 to 40 %.
3.2. Solutions to be preferred
(a) Heat Pump (PAC)
Very efficient, it uses calories of air or soil to heat your home. Its efficiency is much higher than that of a traditional boiler.
(b) The condensing boiler
Ideal for replacing an old gas boiler, it recovers the heat contained in the fumes to improve its efficiency.
(c) Wood heating
With a pellet stove or biomass boiler, you benefit from renewable, economic and local energy.
3.3. The importance of regulation
A programmable thermostat and thermostatic valves on radiators make it possible to better manage room temperature per piece and avoid wastage.
4. Ventilation and airtightness: balance to be found
4.1. Airtightness: an issue to limit losses
An air-permeable housing lets in the cold and remove the heat. Tracking air leaks around carpentry, technical ducts or electrical outlets is therefore essential.
4.2. Ventilation: indispensable for air quality
One Single or dual flow VMC allows to renew indoor air without opening windows. The double flow, more expensive at installation, recovers calories from vitiated air to preheat incoming air, which further improves energy efficiency.
4.3. Error to avoid: over-isolation without ventilating
Watertight but poorly ventilated housing can lead to moisture, mould and respiratory problems. It is therefore essential to combine insulation and ventilation.
5. Energy-efficient equipment
5.1. LED lighting
LED bulbs consume up to 90% less energy the incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer.
5.2. Home appliances
Focus on A+++ class devices (fridge, washing machine, oven). Although they are more expensive to buy, their low consumption allows a quick return on investment.
5.3. Energy management systems
(a) Smart sockets
They automatically cut off the power supply of standby equipment, which accounts for almost 10% of the electricity bill.
(b) Connected meters
They allow you to track your consumption in real time and adjust your habits to avoid unnecessary peaks.
6. Comparison of renovation actions and savings
| Renovation | Estimated savings on the invoice | Average investment | Return on investment period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attic insulation | 25 to 30 % | 3,000 to 6,000 € | 3 to 5 years |
| Change of windows | 10-15 % | 5,000 to 12,000 € | 8 to 10 years |
| Boiler replacement | 20-35 % | 7,000 to 15,000 € | 5-8 years |
| Installation of dual-flow VMC | 10-15 % | 4,000 to 7,000 € | 6-9 years |
| Switch to LED lighting | 5 to 10 % | 200 to 400 € | 1-2 years |
7. Financial support to accompany your renovation and energy consumption
7.1. MaPrimeRenovation
Available to all owners, it finances a significant portion of the work according to your income and the energy gain achieved.
7.2. Eco-loan at zero rate (eco-TPZ)
This interest-free loan makes it possible to finance up to 50,000 € energy renovation works.
7.3. VAT reduced to 5,5 %
Applicable to work to improve energy performance in dwellings over 2 years old.
7.4. Energy saving certificates (EEC)
Some companies (energy suppliers, large areas) can offer you bonuses to finance part of the work.
Conclusion
To succeed in its energy renovation is above all to act intelligently on the right levers: insulation, heating, ventilation and equipment. A comprehensive and coherent approach not only significantly reduces the energy bill, but also allows you to live in a more comfortable, healthier and environmentally friendly home. As a state-owned renovation company, we support you in every step of your project to ensure a sustainable and efficient result.
Would you like to discuss your project? Contact us for a personalized energy renovation and a free quote.
