Homemakers Cavan opens new in-store Energy Centre

The new Energy Centre is now open at Homemakers in the Kilmore business park, Cavan. This state-of-the-art energy centre boasts the latest renewable energy technologies including solar panels and tubes, wind turbines, air-to-water heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation units, wood pellet boilers and much more. The Energy Centre also stocks the latest condensor boilers, energy efficient radiators and solid fuel stoves. Store manager Dermot O"Reilly said: 'We are very excited about this groundbreaking Energy Centre at Homemakers - we have already seen a huge interest from the public in renewable energy solutions and we are certain that this is going to be a crucial issue in home building and renovations from now on. The initial reaction from customers has been fantastic especially to our information wall, which provides every customer with up to date info on how to become more energy efficient and save money.' He added: 'From January 1 2009, every homeowner looking to rent or sell a house will have to provide a BER (building energy rating) certificate for their home - much like an energy rating seen on electrical appliances. This certificate will outline how efficient or inefficient your home is. It is widely expected that the commercial value of inefficient homes will be adversely affected.' However don"t despair - according to Homemakers home heating and renewable energy expert Gerry McPhillips, there is a lot that can be done to improve your home"s BER rating. 'A BER rating is judged on many factors around the home and there are many easy ways in which a homeowner can improve their rating for example ensuring that they have their house properly insulated against heat loss, using CFL light bulbs and combining their existing home heating system with a renewable home heating system for example solar or wind. These things can vastly improve their rating.' He continued: 'People should be also aware that as well as making significant annual savings on their home heating bills, they may also be eligible for a substantial grant from SEI (Sustainable Energy Ireland). We would be delighted to talk people through their options as well as looking after every aspect of their energy system plan, grant application and overall improvement of their homes energy efficiency.' Homemakers energy centre has been developed with the general public in mind. There are many information boards, DVDs and brochures available that offer free impartial advice to the public on how they can start becoming more energy efficient in the home. Gerry McPhillips and his team are on hand to give you any advice you need. 'Climate change is a serious global challenge for all of us. Around one third of our energy usage happens in homes, accounting for around 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing our energy use at home, your actions can help make a positive impact on climate change and you"ll save money too,' concluded Mr. McPhillips. Homemakers Energy Centre is open six days a week at the Kilmore Business Park, Cavan. Contact Gerry McPhillips on 049-4331677.