How to optimize energy consumption at home: the 4 key steps to improve efficiency

80% of buildings in Spain are energetically inefficient, which represents a key challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the climatic commitments of the European Union. In a context where sustainability and energy efficiency are more crucial than ever, optimize consumption in our homes and buildings has become a priority.

Properties generate 36% of greenhouse gas emissions and represent 40% of total energy consumption. This situation raises, therefore, an urgent challenge for the 21st century society to align with the European guidelines, which seek to achieve climate neutrality in 2050 and promote the energy rehabilitation of buildings. In this sense, Leroy Merlinleader in the conditioning and improvement of the home, has been promoting solutions for more than 12 years to reduce environmental impact and improve the energy efficiency of households.

With a simple and effective approach, the company details four essential steps to transform any space into a more efficient and responsible one: isolate, heal, generate and control.

1. isolate: the base of an efficient home

«Isolation is the first and most important barrier against energy waste. Without it, all effort in the air conditioning of space is lost, ”says Harry Hospitalier, director of technical markets at Leroy Merlin. In this way, guaranteeing an adequate thermal envelope on walls, ceilings and windows is crucial to avoid heat leaks in winter and heat entry in summer.

Materials such as rock wool, fiberglass or cork offer effective solutions, while double glazing windows can reduce thermal losses up to 70%. Elements such as docking on doors and windows, as well as the use of blinds or awnings, allow to strengthen insulation economically and functionally, favoring passive interior temperature regulation.

2. Heater: Technologies to maximize comfort

After ensuring good isolation, the next step to optimize energy efficiency in the home is to bet on efficient air conditioning systems. “Aerothermia is a key technology that allows us to take advantage of the heat of the outer air to generate energy for heating, cooling and sanitary hot water, achieving savings of up to 75% compared to traditional methods,” explains Hospitalier.

Other alternatives, such as radiant soil, stand out for their ability to distribute heat evenly, maximizing comfort in the home. Likewise, the heating systems that use renewable fuels, such as biomass or pellets, offer sustainable solutions that adapt to different climatic needs.

3. Generate: Integrate renewable energy sources

“Generating our own energy, in addition to sustainable, is a long -term strategic commitment,” says Hospitalier. Integrating renewable energy sources reduces non -renewable energy dependence and supports the energy transition, allowing homes to reduce their carbon footprint and promote a cleaner and more responsible model.

Photovoltaic solar panels are one of the most widespread solutions, since they allow to produce clean and free electricity from the sun.

4. Control: Manage to optimize consumption

“Energy efficiency also consists in knowing how to use energy at the right time and place,” Hospitalier stands out. Tools such as smart thermostats allow programming temperature according to home routines, reducing unnecessary consumption. Electrical consumption meters and programmable plugs help identify and reduce inefficient consumption patterns, while LED lighting, combined with movement sensors, ensures more rational use of electrical resources without giving up comfort.

“In Leroy Merlin we believe that energy efficiency should be accessible to all, regardless of home size,” says Hospitalier. Each space has a unique potential to contribute to sustainability, and therefore from the company offer solutions adapted to any type of project. For example, through tools such as Home Index, which evaluates the socio -environmental impact of the products, qualified from the A (those with the greatest accredited positive impact) to the E (those with the greatest margin of improvement), and that empower consumers to make more responsible decisions in their purchases, helping to make their most efficient and sustainable homes. Betting on energy efficiency not only improves comfort at home, but also part of the global effort to build a more responsible future with the environment.

Each space is transformed to reflect the essence of Christmas, and current trends invite us to create environments full of magic and personality, where every corner tells a special story.