Quick, clever swaps that cut bills, boost style, and win expert approval, sustainability consultant and owner of circular platform, Gaff Shop, Jo Linehan, shares her insider secrets.
By Suzie Coen
LIGHT SMART According to Electric Ireland, swapping just one halogen for an LED saves around €7a year.
That might not sound like much, but multiply it across every room and you’ve got a serious dent in your electricity bill.
The secret bonus? LEDs last far longer, so you’re not constantly replacing bulbs. And forget the clunky fittings of old - today’s LEDs come in every imaginable style, Molnart LED bulb, E27 260 lumen, ellipse-shaped multicolour, 150 mm €19, at Ikea.
UPGRADE THE EVERYDAY
Kettles, toasters, coffee machines — they’re the quiet energy guzzlers in your kitchen. Insiders always advise investing in the highest energy-rated appliances you can afford; they pay for themselves in savings over time.
One more pro tip: unplug them when not in use.
Up to a whopping 20% of an average electricity bill comes from appliances left idling on standby. Smeg set.
CURTAINS THAT WORK HARDER
Designers will tell you that the right curtains aren’t just about fabric and drape — they’re insulation in disguise. Draughty windows account for 10–30% of heat loss, but thermal-lined curtains trap warmth beautifully.
Next, Ireland, Home Focus carry ready-to-hang thermal-line curtains. We love Hillary’s Abigail Ahern, made-to-measure thermal-lined curtain collection.
RUGS WITH BENEFITS
Floors are a notorious heat-loss hotspot; rugs are your secret weapon here if you don’t have wall-to-wall carpet. They instantly warm a room visually and physically.
Wool is the gold standard - naturally insulating and luxuriously soft. Kukoon and Rugs.ie offer endless options, from bold statement pieces to understated neutrals. Opt for wool for optimum heat retention and cosiness.
HARNESS FREE ENERGY
One of the chicest eco-upgrades? Solar lighting. Designers are increasingly styling balconies, driveways and gardens with solar lamps that not only glow beautifully at night but also cost nothing to run. Look to Søstrene Grene and Light4u.
Read more about this stunning collection in our current issue of House and Home magazine.
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