Frequently asked questions
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you don’t see the answer to your questions here, please get in touch at info@thinkenergy.ie
What is the Home Energy Saving Kit?
The Home Energy Saving Kit contains five tools and six practical exercises that will help you understand your energy consumption at home and identify where savings can be made. It helps you take the first step to becoming more energy efficient by identifying possible problem areas in your home.
Where can I get a Home Energy Saving Kit?
The Home Energy Saving Kit is available to borrow free-of-charge from over 200 public library branches across the country. Find your nearest available kit here.
What's in the Home Energy Saving Kit?
Each Home Energy Saving Kit contains:
- Fridge/ Freezer Thermometer – to measure the temperature of your fridge and freezer accurately and adjust accordingly.
- Thermal Leak Detector – to detect energy leaks in your home by showing you the temperature differences with a coloured LED spot. This helps to spot thermal air leaks and identify areas for additional insulation and/or draught proofing.
- Temperature & Humidity Meter – to identify both the temperature as well as the humidity levels in the home.
- Plug-In Energy Monitor – to understand how much energy the appliances in the home use and help calculate their running cost.
- Radiator Key – to bleed radiators if a wet central heating system is in place by releasing trapped air and making the radiators run more efficiently.
- User Manual – to provide very simple and visual instructions on how to use each tool in the kit.
- Manufacturer’s Guidelines – to give you further information on each of the tools, you can avail of the manufacturer’s original guidelines.
- Stopwatch* – to measure the flow rate of water taps, showers and bath to ensure that no water or energy is wasted
*only included in older kits. If not included in your kit, you can use your phone’s stopwatch to complete this exercise.
Is the Home Energy Saving Kit easy to use?
Absolutely. We have designed the kit in such a way that it is very easy to use and can appeal to homeowners with even the most basic knowledge of energy-saving. The kit is accompanied by a step-by-step user manual and demonstration video, both of which explain how to use each tool correctly in a way that is very easy to understand.
Do I need to be a library member to borrow the kit?
Yes, you can borrow the kit just as you would a book. If you’re not already a library member, you can join at any stage and it’s absolutely free. Sign up today on the Libraries Ireland website.
How long can I keep the kit?
Most libraries loan the kit for a two to three week period, but in some cases kits are available for one week only. It’s best to check with the branch nearest to you.
You may also like:
What's in the kit?
Five tools to help you measure where energy is used in your home.
Video Tutorials
Step by step guides for each of the tools in the Home Energy Saving Kit.
Manual and Workbook
Learn how best to use each of the tools in the kit.