Energy-saving tips

Even older models of refrigerators and freezers allow you to adjust the temperature. Experts recommend 7 °C for a refrigerator and -18 °C for a freezer. Raising the temperature by just one degree Celsius increases the appliance’s energy consumption by as much as 6%. 

You can save energy more easily by defrosting your freezer at regular intervals. Thick layers of ice on the walls of the freezer increase electricity consumption by about 15%. 

It’s best to thaw frozen food in the refrigerator. Hot food, on the other hand, should cool down before being stored in the refrigerator. This way, you can lower your electricity bill by avoiding the increased energy consumption caused by temperature fluctuations.

Washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers have special eco-cycle settings. These can help reduce electricity costs because, although the cleaning process takes longer, it is done at lower temperatures.

When buying new household appliances, energy efficiency should be a key consideration. By choosing an appliance with a rating of at least B—or better yet, A or A+—you can effectively reduce your electricity consumption.

One of the biggest obstacles to saving electricity is the standby mode frequently used by TVs and other devices. Therefore, use smart outlets or power strips that can be easily turned off using a toggle switch.

When choosing lighting for your home, opt for energy-saving or LED bulbs. The former use about 70% less electricity, while the latter use as much as 80% less.

In the kitchen, you can reduce energy consumption by first heating the water you need in a kettle. It uses less electricity than the stovetop. Only when heating 1.5 liters or more is it more energy-efficient to use an induction stove.

You often don't need to preheat the oven. You can also use the oven's residual heat to finish cooking food if you turn it off a few minutes early.

Use a meter to check your electronic devices and determine their actual energy consumption. Homeowners can also take advantage of the “Gebäudecheck” energy consultation service offered by the consumer advice center in their area.

In the bathroom, you can reduce your energy consumption by following these simple energy-saving tips

Resist the temptation to leave your toothbrush and electric razor plugged in. This will help prevent leakage current and also preserve the battery life of your devices.

Use the hair dryer on the lowest heat setting. This is not only gentler on your hair, but also easier on your wallet and the environment.

If your hot water is heated using electricity, an energy-saving showerhead can help you conserve energy. It “stretches” the water stream with air, reducing water usage by about 40%.

Skip using your dryer and use a clothes rack instead. If that’s not possible, run the dryer for as short a time as possible to save electricity

The following energy-saving tips can help you in the kitchen:

If you use a lid when cooking, you can reduce your energy consumption by three-quarters.

Use your oven on the convection setting instead of the top and bottom heat setting. This saves about 40% on electricity. Toasting bread rolls in a toaster saves even more than 70%.

When heating food, a microwave uses less energy than a stove.

Dishwashers are actually more efficient than washing dishes by hand. Be sure to fill the machine completely and use the eco cycle. Cleaning the machine with salt once a month removes grease and helps reduce energy costs. 

The refrigerator should not be placed near heat sources or exposed to direct sunlight. Dust on the back of the unit, near the heat exchanger, should also be removed regularly.

Here’s how to save on electricity costs in the living room, bedroom, and children’s rooms:

By turning off the standby mode on your consumer electronics, you can save hundreds of dollars a year. You can turn off smart plugs remotely when you leave the house.

A TV with advanced features and a large screen size tends to consume more electricity. Old CRT TVs are real energy guzzlers, whereas LED models are particularly energy-efficient.

You can reduce your energy costs in the long term not only by cutting back on your electricity usage, but also by being mindful of how you use your heating.

Even simple measures can drastically reduce your electricity bill. Not only can purchasing energy-efficient appliances, but also being mindful of how you use electricity and energy in general, significantly ease the strain on your budget—for example, by regularly defrosting your freezer or using a water-saving showerhead to reduce the amount of electricity used for hot water.