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The numbers or scales on your thermostatic radiator valves do not correspond to a precise temperature but rather to a level of comfort. It's up to you to find the right setting!
To calculate the consumption of electrical appliances in kWh, you have to take into account the capacity and the length of use. As an example, we calculate the annual energy consumption of a radio alarm and a vacuum cleaner.
A comparative table helps you to find wich low-energy bulb or led can replace the traditional bulb and halogen bulb.
The energy used by household appliances is calculated on the basis of their capacity (expressed in watts) and the length or frequency of use. Take a look at the overview of the use per electrical appliance.
Just take a look at the dial or the indicator lights that show your boiler pressure. If it is too low, you can easily adjust it yourself.
Pellet stoves have several advantages: they are easy to use and efficient, as well as being environmentally-friendly. But they're also very expensive
It costs more to install, does not suit every home, and the yield decreases when the weather is cold. However, the advantages luckily outweigh the disadvantages.
A home battery may be worth it if you have photovoltaic panels in order to make the most of the electricity you produce. However, batteries remain a big investment, and it is currently difficult to get a return on that investment without a grant.
Yes, if you own solar panels. The timer will allow you to heat your water using the electricity generated by your panels. Otherwise, installing a timer is of little or no benefit.
Yes! Used in conjunction with a room thermostat, thermostatic valves will improve the heating throughout your home.
A combined heat and power (CHP) system generates both electrical power and heat from a single fuel (e.g. natural gas). The system comes with a whole host of benefits. The technology was devised to serve large buildings such as hospitals. Today however, it is also available to be used in single family homes .
Most of the people prefer an indoor temperature of 21°C. Heating your house while you are away from home, is a complete waste of energy and money.
From now on the packaging of all light bulbs has to include an energy label. This label gives you information about the energy efficiency, the light output, the power and the lifespan of the bulb.
Yes, provided that your LEDs are compatible with using a dimmer (or driver) and that your dimmer is also compatible with LEDs!
First check if your boiler has a 'holiday' mode. If you still want to shut down your boiler to save money or for safety reasons, everything depends on the time of year and type of boiler!
A new energy label was launched in 2021. With no more "+” signs, the classification again extends from A to G. This is what has changed.
Two types of inspection are compulsory in Brussels: an inspection for compliance before connection to the gas network, and an inspection for compliance with the BEP requirements.
Nearly 10% of your electricity bill is due to the standby consumption of your devices. Read our tips for detecting and neutralising this phantom energy use.
Yes, the heat pump can be an effective and very energy-efficient solution for heating an apartment, even during renovation. You just have to pay attention to a few particularities of the situation.
Place your fridge and/or freezer in the right place, perform regular maintenance on it and use it properly to reduce your energy bill.
Yes, using a cold roof system. However, this method isn’t recommended, because it may damage your roof in the long term. It’s better to go for external insulation.
This is a system that captures sunlight, converts it into heat and uses this to reheat the water in your pipes.
Cooling your home in the middle of a heatwave? It can be done! Fans, misting fans and cooler units will get the temperature down by a few degrees, and at a perfectly affordable price.
Today, underfloor heating systems are efficient, environmentally friendly and no longer pose any health risks. But what type should you choose?
The good news is that you can put up your festive lights without sending your energy consumption and CO2 emissions sky high! Let us shed some light on the right equipment for guilt-free light-ups!
A well-insulated building is more comfortable all year round because it stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. So a building like this is more economical when it comes to heating and air conditioning.
Go for the colour temperature that best suits your location and its purpose.Warm, cool or neutral light? Just follow our guide.
In Belgium, 1.7 million people use fuel oil for heating. In Brussels, 16% of all boilers operate using this type of fuel. Yet the sale of oil-fired boilers is set to be banned from 2035. Fortunately, there are alternatives
To replace your incandescent light bulbs, you can choose between halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs and LEDs.
A heating system that gives just the right temperature when you want it? Comfortable and economical. But if you want proper control over your heating, you first need to know how all these devices communicate with each other.
With the disappearance of incandescent bulbs, you now have the choice between halogen bulbs, fluorescent tubes and LEDs.
Insulating a pitched roof from the outside is quick and helps to avoid heat losses from the living space. Call in a professional to carry out this delicate work!
Yes it is! Combining a condensing boiler and a thermodynamic boiler allows you to harness the 2 most efficient technologies available on the market for your heating and hot water. A win-win solution for your pocket and the environment!
TL tubes are gradually giving way to LED alternatives, which are more efficient and warm. Two options are possible: replace TL tubes with LED tubes while keeping the existing structure or place LED panels with the same light power.
Cogeneration is a system that generates both electricity and heat from a single fuel (natural gas).
Changing your windows is not as easy as it might seem. What type of glazing and what type of frame should you choose? The U value, the price and the respective advantages of the various materials can help.
To insulate an existing wall, you are looking at 3 major options: external wall insulation, interior wall insulation and cavity wall insulation.
The dual hourly rate is based on the principle of two different prices for electricity: during the daytime it is slightly higher than the single rate, while at night as well as during the weekend and public holidays it is lower.
Infrared thermal imaging detects energy loss in your home. Discover how it works.
Natural insulators are environmentally friendly and efficient, and entitle you to bonus grants in the Brussels region. Having thermal insulation work done on your home is most certainly worthwhile!
These days, there is such an extensive range of roof insulation materials, it is difficult to make a choice. We will list the different products, their possibilities and insulation values for you.
Nearly Zero Energy (NZE) or ‘Bijna-energieneutraal’ (BEN) is a European Directive imposed on all new buildings by 2021. However, in the Brussels Region, the even stricter passive-house standard will apply from 2015.
Energy labels provide information about the consumption of devices. This means that you can compare them and make a fully informed purchase.
To choose a new boiler, you must consider the price but also the type of fuel, the efficiency, the combustion system, the space available and the hot water requirements.
By adopting good habits and improving your installation, you will use less hot water and relieve your wallet.
The advantage of this system is that the electricity used at night and during the weekend and legal holidays, is billed at a lower rate. The rate charged during the day is slightly higher than the ordinary rate and the installation costs are heavier.
When the choice of how to heat the water is sound, the expense can change from excessive to very affordable - and very ecological...
The smart meter or intelligent meter is an electronic meter that is capable of recording and transmitting power consumption data. Smart meters will be rolled out in Brussels gradually.
Collect evidence to show that the problem exists. If your owner still refuses to replace or repair the boiler, you should call on the justice of the peace.
For economic and environmental reasons, gradually switching from natural gas heating to renewable sources makes sense! The process is simple.
Are you still using bulbs for your lighting? And do you forget to turn off the lighting when you leave a room? Then there is a potential 50% saving in the energy cost for the lighting.
Hybrid heating systems offer an affordable solution for heating your home more sustainably, without the need for major works.
When your boiler is having maintenance performed, the engineer will take some measurements, clean the inside of your boiler and check that it is working properly.
Yes! Today, underfloor heating systems are efficient, environmentally friendly and no longer pose any health risks.
When you are much more at home, you also consume more energy. A few simple saving tips will immediately have an impact on your energy bill.
The new Renolution grants cover 45 types of work carried out in relation to energy efficiency, home renovation and façade improvement.
It all depends on the room you want to warm up and your expectations. Find out about the types of extra heaters available on the market and their features.
In 2021, in Brussels, you can obtain grants for most sustainable investments in your home, commonhold or business premises.
Efficient windows mean better comfort for you and energy savings too. Replacing your windows is therefore a great investment.
New-generation low-energy bulbs (compact fluorescent lamps, fluorescent tubes and LED) have two main advantages compared with conventional light bulbs.
Review your energy contracts, get a free energy audit, insulate, replace your boiler or install photovoltaic panels. There are a whole host of solutions for saving energy in a co-owned property!
Green roofs have been gaining in popularity in recent years. That’s hardly surprising, considering how many general and ecological advantages they have.
In Brussels the roll-out of the smart meter is being organised by Sibelga, the power and gas distribution network operator.
New appliances can save you up to 30% on your bill. In addition, many old appliances are incompatible with the new rich gas being deployed in Brussels.
With a PV heater you can store excess electricity generated by your photovoltaic panels as domestic hot water. This solution is worth considering if you produce more electricity than you consume.
Three types of low-energy bulbs have replaced incandescent light bulbs. These bulbs are available in various sizes and capacities. Find out what this means as regards the compatibility of the (screw) fittings.
Condensation may appear in overly insulated buildings, inside of which the air does not circulate properly. The solution? Ventilate!
In some situations, infrared heaters can be attractive for the comfort they provide, although heating with direct electricity still has a cost.
Follow our advice for a well-laid-out kitchen that is more efficient, safe and a pleasure to work in, while consuming less energy.
The arrival of winter coincides with shorter and colder days. If you want to get through the winter nice and warm without breaking the bank, whilst spending a thought for the environment, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you get your home ready for winter.
In this lockdown, there are more people teleworking than ever before! Here are some useful tips to waste less energy, work in the best possible conditions and keep your energy bills under control.
Performance, aesthetics, maintenance and cost should be the main criteria when you choose new window frames and panes.
A central heating stove combines the best of both worlds: the cosiness and heat of a stove or hearth and the hot water production of a central heating boiler. In some cases, the central heating stove can replace your regular boiler.
Buy smart, make sure you limit your consumption and give your appliances a good end of life to reduce the costs for you and the environment!
Make sure you let your house breathe by venting it! A few simple actions are enough to prevent your home from filling with moisture and pollutants.
The rates you get through collective energy purchasing are not systematically financially more rewarding than those you could get yourself by contacting a supplier directly. However, they are still profitable in certain cases.
A dual hourly rate meter is used to distinguish between two rates for electricity: a slightly higher rate than the single rate during the daytime and a more advantageous rate than the single rate at night and during the weekend.
As from the first days of spring, there are a whole range of simple and easy things you can do that will enable you to save energy and make sure that your heating installation is fully up and running for next winter. Before leaving on your holidays, a quick inspection of your electrical or gas-powered appliances is another must.
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The answer to all your energy questions in Brussels
