Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Selectra , a specialist in energy tariffs, made several calculations where it finds a remarkable variation in energy consumption related to the cooling of homes, depending on the devices used , having sent them in a statement to the newsroom of SUPERCASA Notícias . In order to answer how much is, on average, the cooling in the electricity bill of three family configurations in two different markets, it was possible to reach the conclusion that the regulated market is, on average, about 6.20% more expensive. In these calculations, tax-free base price values were used. For a family configuration without children, the use of a fixed air conditioner was considered. For families with two children, two fixed air conditioners and a ceiling fan were incorporated. Finally, for families with four children, two fixed air conditioners, two ceiling fans and a portable air conditioner were included. With regard to appliances that give the greatest weight in energy expenditure, a clearer picture of the actual costs associated with each type of cooling is presented. Thus, it was possible to identify that fixed air conditioning is the least economical option, followed by portable air conditioning and, finally, the ceiling fan. These analyses aim to provide consumers with transparent and detailed information to make informed and prudent decisions regarding energy consumption and choices to cool their homes. By fully understanding the options available and their associated costs, families will be able to take effective measures to save energy and reduce expenses without compromising their comfort. Some recommendations have also been put together to help consumers achieve this goal successfully: Place the air conditioner at a temperature between 24 ºC and 25 ºC, as each degree that lowers the energy consumption will increase by 8%; 80% of air conditioning consumption results from cooling the air it collects. It is therefore much cheaper to use a fan which, although it does not cool the air, makes it circulate; Roll down the blinds or close the curtains to prevent the house from being heated by the sun . It is also important that all windows are closed when the air conditioning is switched on and that the rooms which do not need to be cooled are closed; If you are buying an air conditioner, make sure you have an A energy label . If this is A+++, energy savings will be around 40%; Unplug appliances that are not in use, as leaving them in stand-by accounts for 10% to 16% of household electricity consumption, so it is advisable to unplug as many of them as possible; Enjoy natural ventilation in the cooler moments of the day , such as early morning or late afternoon; Check that the house has good thermal insulation as it will prevent unwanted heat from entering and ensure that the internal temperature remains more stable; Like the tips? Follow the SUPERCASA Notícias for more similar information
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction Warm days are at the door, calling for late nights on the street. Preferably, in pleasant and comfortable outdoor spaces such as a garden and terrace and, at a jump from summer, these become the dream of many owners . When it comes to outdoor activities at home , the terraces are ideal for those who have children or animals, advantageous for their low maintenance. If you are thinking of buying a house , it is important to consider that when choosing one with this type of outdoor spaces, you will live with a higher quality of life, as you will have just around the corner a refuge space and in which you can enjoy the hot days, and can even customizeand decorate it to make it even more appetizing and comfortable. Discover the selection of properties for sale at SUPERCASA with these features and dream of long sunbathing in the comfort of your home! Apartment T4 in Barreiro and Lavradio, Setúbal - 589.000€ House T3 in Valado dos Frades, Nazaré - 590.000€ House T3 Triplex in Celorico de Basto, Braga - 600.000€ House 3 Bedrooms Duplex in Mafra, Lisbon - 685.000€ House T4 + 1 Triplex in Nogueiró e Tenões, Braga - 750.000€ House 4 Bedrooms in Cascais and Estoril, Lisbon - 949.000€ Discover also Buy a land to build: everything you need to know or Póvoa de Varzim: travel to this Portuguese land
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction EDP Comercial announced on Monday 8 April that it will be reducing its electricity and natural gas bills from June onwards. As a result, monthly electricity bills may fall by 7 per cent, while natural gas bills are expected to fall by 14 per cent , due to the impact of falling prices on the free market, which has improved conditions . The price of electricity will fall by 10 per cent , according to EDP, while natural gas will fall by up to 20 per cent, creating an impact on the final price that is much more limited by the component of network access tariffs . Last week, Galp also announced a drop in electricity and natural gas prices on average. This drop started at the beginning of the month, with prices falling by an average of 28 per cent for electricity and 19 per cent for natural gas, with the justification, like EDP, being that the wholesale electricity and natural gas markets currently have low prices. Follow other similar topics: Natural gas social tariff: 3.1% discount to be maintained
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The wholesale electricity market has been suffering a decrease in its prices, relieving electricity traders who buy it directly from producers. This relief may mean that the year is lower prices compared to the last decade, although there are warnings from the sector about possible obstacles to the viability of renewable projects. In this sense, there is a need to balance the market , for which solutions such as batteries arise, a restructuring of the market or the attraction of large consumers. Pedro Amaral Jorge, president of APREN - Portuguese Renewable Energy Association, points out: the way the Iberian market works, whenever renewables can supply [the needs of] an hour, the price [of the hour] is zero, which happened even at the beginning of April, with a few hours close to marking negative values. On the producers side, it is a problem that we will have to solve (...) nobody can sell at zero something that costs money, points out the leader of APREN, stressing that this is a situation unsustainable from a financial point of view , because according to current price projections, as indicated by Pedro Amaral Jorge, no investor will want to invest . Thus, to allow the contracting of renewables, it will be necessary to design a system that compensates renewable plants and prevents prices from falling to zero. Related: Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Tax and Customs Authority will now include appliances, machines and other equipment designed to capture and utilise energy in the reduced VAT rate of 6%. This change includes not only the purchase of this type of equipment, but also its installation, repair and maintenance. By reducing the tax, an incentive is created for Portuguese families who dont yet have this type of appliance in their homes, facilitating access through a less significant investment. In the circular published by the Tax and Customs Authority, the reduced VAT rate covers the acquisition, supply and installation, maintenance and repair of appliances , machinery and other equipment intended exclusively or mainly for the capture and utilisation of solar, wind and geothermal energy and other alternative forms of energy. This includes, for example, solar, thermal or photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and heat pumps , which also include reversible air conditioners. On the subject of sustainability, we recommend New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , Renewable energy community: Coimbra presents proposal and Energy certificates: how they work and their importance
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction This Tuesday, at a meeting of the Coimbra City Councils Executive, the proposal to create a renewable community through the concession of the roofs of various social housing estates in the municipality for the installation of 1,500 photovoltaic panels will be discussed. This installation is expected to save 47 per cent on energy costs. It will therefore be proposed that the roofs of buildings in the Ingote, Misericórdia, Fonte da Talha and Parque Nómada neighbourhoods, as well as those of the Algar and Pedrulha municipal buildings, be concessioned, benefiting 370 families. According to the proposal, the concession for the roofs will be for a period of 20 years , in order to guarantee immediate savings for the residents of the neighbourhoods covered, as well as for the consumers who will be part of the renewable energy community (CER), since it benefits anyone who lives within a two-kilometre radius of the installed panels. With this measure, families can save up to around 30,000 euros a year, municipal buildings 10,500 euros a year and the rest of the CER members up to 9,500 euros. Read more: New energy efficiency directive receives EP approval , How to maximise natural resources in construction
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Homefullness is a growing trend in the world of interior design, and it can completely transform the way they are felt and recognized the sensations provoked by the environment of the house where they live. It is a concept that starts from the adaptation between well-being and decoration, aiming to generate feelings of tranquility and balance. And today, in order to transform your home based on this concept, SUPERCASA brings you everything you need to know. What does Homefullness presuppose? The main premise of this concept is organization. Harmony , order and organization are key factors to achieve homefullness in your home, with tricks that, although simple at first glance, can take some time to internalize in your daily life , especially if you live with animals and/ or children. Keeping spaces in order is more difficult than one would expect, however, you can adopt some techniques to maintain visual order, that is, the order you see at first sight. Simple tips to achieve homefullness We know that in the rush of everyday life, especially if you live with other people, it may not be simple to achieve all the goals we propose here, but there are techniques that can help you unravel the order behind the chaos. 1. Decompose and dispose of what you no longer use A harmonious house presupposes serene spaces without great visual confusion , which offer space to relax. Here, to help you in this goal, it is important that you look around you, in the various rooms of your home, and realize exactly what are the elements that cause you anxiety, a sense of disorganization and that make your room seem tighter. These are the objects to be disposed of, if they have nothing to add to your well-being. Simplifying the decor of your home will help you achieve the feeling of homefullness, believing that less is more, and a house with less junk will make you feel more comfortable. 2. Connect with natural elements One of the strategies that can help you achieve an interior harmony with the spaces of your home is through the use of natural elements, such as plants that can spread around your home, in strategic places. Invest in these decorative elements and also make sure, if you have a garden, that it is well maintained and you want to spend more time outdoors. 3. Create sacred spaces An organized life also presupposes taking time for yourself. For this, it is essential that there are, in your home, sacred spaces where you practice your well-being and meet with yourself , either to read a book, listen to music or simply take a nap. Surround yourself with calm and relaxing elements, such as those plants we mentioned above, aromatic candles and neutral colors. The truth is that homefullness may not be for everyone , but it is certainly a step towards a more peaceful and relaxed life, even for the most disorganized. And if you can not put into practice all the advice, the important thing is that you feel good about the space you created for yourself, in your home. Stay for more Lifestyle tips with SUPERCASA Notícias . Find out which pieces to use in the decoration of your kitchen , Discover the 5 most contracted household services in 2023 or Transform your home without spending much money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate announced this Tuesday in Diário da República, the order that anticipates the submission of the proposal for natural gas tariffs for the period between October this year and September 2025. Thus, the social tariff for the regulated natural gas supply will remain in force in 2024, maintaining the 31.2% discount applied to the transitional tariffs for sale to final customers, from which the applicable VAT, taxes, contributions and default rates are excluded. Thus, from October 1 of this year, the discount will be applied, being, as stated by the Secretary of State, Ana Fountoura Gouveia, a measure urgent and unavoidable , being the Regulatory Entity of Energy Services (ERSE) responsible for submitting the proposal, which should present by the end of March. The social tariff is a mechanism for protecting economically vulnerable consumers and combating energy poverty, translated into an important instrument of public policy and social justice, ensuring access to this essential service with less financial effort and greater tariff stability for this universe of consumers, as indicated in the dispatch. The same law states that the operationalization of the measure will consist of an automatic application of the discount in the tariff of access to gas networks at low pressure, allowing the increase of the its scope, ensuring its applicability regardless of the intervention of its beneficiaries. Related topics: Do you know how much you spend preparing food at home? Discover , Renewable energy reaches one of the best European registers and ERSE recommends consumers to consult simulators
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In previous articles, weve already listed the steps you need to take to start the process of selling a house . If you havent read the previous article, go to First step in selling a house: what to do? and find out exactly what awaits you. SUPERCASA Notícias guides you on this journey, explaining step by step everything you need to know about each of the processes - in this case, the strategies you should adopt to increase the value of your property. What should you do to increase the value of your property? This is one of the first things you need to do before going ahead with publicising your property. At this stage, it is essential that you take a critical view of the property you are selling in order to understand exactly which points can be improved and which ones you should use as strong selling points. Look at your property, see what needs to be improved and get to work! Were not talking about very complex works or those that require a large investment, but rather small improvements that will make all the difference when it comes to publicising your property . If you have an ageing, poorly maintained property that needs work, the less value buyers will want to give for it, so if you want a good return on the sale, you need to take these needs into account. No matter how beautiful or comfortable you think your home is, an investor may not look at it in the same way, so its essential to put yourself in the role of the buyer and carry out as many interventions as possible to increase the fair sale value . 1. Ask for help Before embarking on the valuation process, if you dont know exactly where to start, our advice - which will serve you for every step along the way - is to enlist the help of a specialised professional. This is the most effective way to achieve the best results. An experienced property professional will be able to tell you exactly which points are most or least valued by a buyer. So find a real estate agent or agency, arrange a visit to the property with them and ask for advice. As these professionals have their own tools, such as platforms that can generate Comparative Market Analyses , they will be the right people to tell you exactly what you need to do to add value to your home. 2. Improve the propertys energy quality One of the points most appreciated by buyers is the energy efficiency of a property. We live in a time when environmental concerns are growing and greater care is being taken with materials and equipment. If your house isnt brand new, its advisable to upgrade it from an energy point of view, as this will add value and will be a better selling point. Whats more, because the energy certificate is a mandatory document when selling a property, youll have a better chance of a successful sale if you present a document with good energy data, which will pass with flying colours in the assessment of the experts who will be inspecting the efficiency of the house. Here are some examples of how you can improve the energy quality of the house youre selling: - Install energy-efficient windows: this may seem like a large investment, but it will pay off after the sale, as it is one of the interventions that most increases the value of a property; - Install photovoltaic panels: nowadays, through electricity companies, it is possible to contract the installation of this equipment in an accessible and economical way, which also increases the value of the property. 3. Deep clean If its a property you dont live in, its extremely important that you clean it before you start the publicising process. You dont want photos where the house looks unkempt, dark or untidy, as this will affect the quality of the advert for sale and generate less interest. The same applies if its a house you normally live in. Clean and organise it so that it looks bright, tidy and free of many objects - especially personal belongings. So before you present your house to the world by putting it on the market, make sure it looks good and appealing, especially just before the estate agent visits, who might take the opportunity to take photos of it. 4. Painting, renovations and repairs The aim here is not to completely renovate the house or invest in major alterations, because when youre buying a house youll already have some money set aside for work of this calibre. However, minor painting, repairs and interventions do have an influence on the buying process. So if your property has any defects or imperfections that need looking after, its important to take care of them before you advertise your home online . Fix, for example, that dripping tap, the floor thats lifting, or paint the most stained walls. Beautify the house as much as you can, not leaving out the outdoor spaces - if you have a garden, mow the lawn, look after the plants, clear the path and prepare the space for visitors. And dont forget: the front of the property will be the first contact a potential buyer has with your home, so its crucial that you make a good impression! If you follow these tips, youll be one step closer to a quick, easy and carefree process! Prepare the property for sale and, with the help of your property consultant, turn it into an unmissable investment. And once youve completed this phase, youll move on to the next: putting the property on the market. Stay tuned for the next few articles to find out exactly what you need to do!
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Energy Efficiency in Buildings Directive (EPBD), revised and approved by the European Parliament, sets out a series of progressive measures aimed at transforming the construction sector into a key component of the transition to a low-carbon economy. In this regard, the European Parliament’s decision to support the imposition of ambitious targets for carbon neutrality in buildings reflects a renewed commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as combating climate change. The new legislation requires all new buildings to be carbon neutral from 2030, with a more immediate cutoff date for buildings occupied by public authorities established in 2028. In addition, EPBD sets primary energy reduction targets for residential and non-residential buildings by 2030 and 2035 respectively, encouraging the adoption of renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures. The phasing out of gas and diesel boilers and the ban on subsidies for these technologies from 2025 mark a significant shift in EU energy policy, driving the transition to more sustainable heating and cooling systems. However, the Directive also recognises the importance of preserving the architectural and historical heritage, allowing certain buildings to be excluded from energy efficiency requirements, provided that it is justified on the basis of specific criteria. Although some proposals, such as the mandatory improvement of buildings with low energy rating, have been removed from the final legislation, it is expected that the StatesEU members develop comprehensive national plans to boost energy efficiency and promote the adoption of renewable technologies in their construction sectors. The EU’s commitment to the decarbonisation of real estate reflects not only a concern for environmental sustainability, but also a long-term vision for a more resilient and prosperous economy. Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA News
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Whether youre buying or selling, the energy certificate is one of the documents youll always have to take into account if youre thinking of selling a property. Its intrinsically linked to the propertys energy performance and is a fundamental document in any transaction. The presentation of this certificate is, in fact, mandatory by law , so today, in this SUPERCASA Notícias article, we explain exactly everything you need to know, how the Energy Certification Systems (SCE) work, when you should present the necessary documents, the types of assessment and their advantages , as well as what can happen if you default. What are the legal obligations for property owners and real estate agents? As stipulated by Decree-Law 118/2013 of 20 August, all owners of a property are obliged to comply with the specific obligations of indicating the energy rating, and they are also responsible for indicating the propertys rating and respective documentation to real estate agents. They are also responsible for providing a copy, or the original, of the Energy Certificate in situations where they enter into - a promissory contract for the purchase and sale of the property; - rental agreement. Failure to fulfil these obligations is subject to monetary fines. On the part of estate agents and consultants, they must include information about the energy class of the property in their sales or rental adverts in order to avoid considerable fines and poor quality adverts. What is the Energy Certification System for Buildings (SCE)? This is an instrument with European Union legislative guidelines, implemented in Portugal, which plays a fundamental role in enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable energy in buildings. It establishes a link between the energy efficiency policies defined by European regulations, market agents and buyers/owners. Thus, included in the SCE is the Energy Certificate, a document that, as its name explains, assesses the energy efficiency of the building, certifying it with a rating that can vary between A+, A, B, B-, C, D, E and F , from the highest to the lowest efficiency rating. How does Energy Certification work? Eligible in buildings or autonomous fractions under the SCE, energy certificates are required by law in all buildings, new or old, whenever they are put up for sale or on the rental market , but also in buildings that are undergoing rehabilitation or interventions, and whose value is greater than 25 per cent. According to ADENE - Agência para a Energia (Energy Agency) and its SCE Guide , any building that is a covered construction with walls and floors intended for human use must be covered by an energy certification, whether it is composed of one or several bodies, as is the case, for example, in schools, hospitals, tourist resorts, among others . In the energy certification document for a property, you will find: - an assessment of the propertys energy efficiency, on a scale from very inefficient (F) to very efficient (A+); - information on the propertys characteristics, such as insulation, types of ventilation, air conditioning and domestic hot water production, and their effect on energy consumption; - improvement measures that suggest ways to lower energy consumption and improve the comfort and health of the residents/inhabitants of the property; - indication of tax benefits and types of financing available, when available. The great advantage of this document is the immediate value it gives to the property , as you will have an analysis of the type of consumption, advantages and disadvantages of the property, indications of improvements and structural characteristics, which will make all the difference when selling or buying the house. But there are others. Advantages of the Energy Certificate As we said above, this is a document that will greatly enhance the value of your home, but its not the only advantage: - Through the certificate, you get to know the property much better , both structurally and in terms of the energy consumption it will have; - you know how you can reduce your energy consumption and expenditure in a permanent and efficient way; - knows exactly what the direct implications are for comfort and health , if any; - indicates personalised improvements according to energy performance, in order to reduce consumption; - you have access to financial and tax benefits, which well explain below. Financial and tax benefits of the Energy Certificate A house with a higher energy rating will be more competitive on the market than one with a lower rating . However, it is also an asset in financial and fiscal terms, allowing you to access better rates when implementing the improvement measures indicated in the document. The tax benefits with the most impact on your wallet will be a refund of the IMT (Municipal Property Transfer Tax) if you rehabilitate your home, for which you can get more information from your local council or town hall, but also a reduction in the municipal IMI (Municipal Property Tax) rate, which you can also find out about from your local council. Another of the great financial advantages of an energy certificate is the exemption from municipal taxes when an urban building undergoing urban regeneration is rehabilitated , as well as the exemption from the issuance fee when re-issuing a new Energy Certificate after the improvements have been implemented. What is assessed in an Energy Certificate, who carries out the assessment and where can you request it? The assessment is carried out and issued by independent Qualified Experts, who will assess the installation of double glazing, insulation reinforcements and the existence of efficient equipment, among other things. To request this assessment, you should ask for quotes from several qualified experts working in your neighbourhood or area of residence. It is important to ask several experts to find the one who will give you the best price and, once you have found the professional assessor, gather the necessary documents and provide access to all areas of the house during the assessment. In the end, ask for the preliminary version of the certificate and check the data on the document to make sure everything is correct before it is issued definitively. How much does an Energy Certificate cost? The amounts will vary depending on whether it is a residential building or a building for commerce and services, and the cost of issuing the certificate will always be associated with two variants: 1. Qualified Expert (QE) fees, which vary according to the complexity of the building, its condition and conservation, so there are no fixed figures for reference. 2. The value of registering the certificate on the SCE Portal, defined by government decree, and for which the following values are associated: Residential buildings - Studio and one-bedroom typologies - €28.00 - T2 and T3 typologies - 40,50€ - T4 and T4 typologies - 55,000€ - Types T6 and above - 65,00€ Commercial and service buildings - With a floor area equal to or less than 250m 2 - €135.00 - With a floor area of more than 250m 2 and less than or equal to 500m 2 - €350.00 - With a floor area of more than 500 m 2 and less than or equal to 5000 m 2 - €750.00 - With a useful floor area of more than 5000 m 2 - €950,000 You should bear in mind that energy certificates have an expiry date, which varies according to the type of certificate in question, but which you should consider in the following terms: - Pre-energy certificates: 10 years; - Energy certificates: 10 years; - GES energy certificates (large commercial and service buildings): 8 years; - First GES energy certificates for new buildings and major renovations: 3 years. There are also validity periods for the following criteria: - Energy certificates for GES that are in operation and do not have a Maintenance Plan: 1 year; - Energy certificates for commercial and service buildings that do not have the technical systems inspection report, when mandatory: 1 year; - Energy certificates for boarded-up buildings: 1 year (extendable on request to ADENE). Are you clear? Read also Turnkey homes: how does this concept work , Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Taking lunchboxes to work is a common practice among the Portuguese. Thats why, in a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , energy tariff specialist Selectra has done the maths for you: find out how much you spend preparing six different dishes and two desserts. Lets imagine that you start the week by preparing a beautiful salmon with vegetables and take the opportunity to make three portions of strawberry jelly. The electricity consumed for these two dishes is €0.17 on the free market and €0.18 on the regulated market . If the next day you prefer, for example, tofu à brás, it will cost you €0.05 on the free market and on the regulated market, using one of the three portions of gelatine you made. In the middle of the week, you could opt for grilled meat with rice and vegetables and chocolate chip biscuits for dessert. In this case, youll spend 0.21€ for the main course and dessert on the free market and 0.23€ on the regulated market. If you work 6 days a week, youll spend 0.71€ of electricity on the free market and 0.76€ on the regulated market for the six dishes and six portions of the suggested desserts. Did you find this content interesting? Read more topics like this in SUPERCASA Notícias
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