Save energy at home

Heating, hot water, and the car usually have the greatest impact on energy costs. Read more about the most important measures and various energy-consuming devices in the equipment list.

If you don't personally cover the costs for heating, hot water, or don't own a car, the primary areas to save electricity at home are laundry, dishwashing, and cooking. Find more information further below and under household electricity in the equipment list.

Below is a list of suggestions for those who want to optimize their savings at home by modifying their habits and putting in extra effort.

Caution! Some tips may be extreme!

Generally

Single Actions

• Reduce indoor temperature: Lowering the temperature by 1 degree can save approximately 5% on heating costs, regardless of the heating method.
• Install low-flow aerators: Equip faucets and showerheads with high-quality low-flow aerators (e.g., with air injection).
• Upgrade to LED lighting: Make the switch to energy-efficient LED lights.
• Opt for light interior colors: Choose lighter colors for interior walls and surfaces to minimize the need for artificial lighting.
• Avoid inefficient transformers: Refrain from using transformers that generate heat even when the connected appliance or lamp is turned off.
  
  

Behaviors

• Utilize solar warmth: Allow sunlight in during spring and autumn to naturally warm your home.
• Ventilate efficiently: Air out rooms quickly and effectively.
• Invest in warm home attire: Purchase comfortable, warm clothing for wearing indoors.
• Use blankets: Keep blankets handy in the living room for added warmth.
• Set temperature to 15°C when away: Lower the heat to 15°C while traveling or away from home.
  
  

• Turn off the TV: Switch off the television when no one is watching.
• Power down computers: Turn off computers when not in use.
• Adjust heating in summer: Reduce or turn off heating during the warmer months.
• Maximize winter sunlight: Let sunlight in during winter for natural warmth.
• Close windows at night: Shut windows when it's dark to minimize heat loss.

The Bathroom

• Use bathroom rugs: Purchase two bathroom rugs, placing one on the floor and the other in the laundry, and turn off electric underfloor heating.
• Economize electric towel dryer usage: Be mindful of using the electric towel dryer; consider a timer if it has a plug to automatically turn it off.
• Install a thermostat: Add a thermostat to your water-borne towel dryer for better temperature control.
• Shorten shower time: Reduce the duration of your showers.
• Select efficient faucet and shower nozzles: Choose high-quality low-flow aerators for taps and showers.
• Capture shower water: Collect shower water in a container, such as the bathtub, and allow it to cool before draining.
• Conserve water while brushing: Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth.

The Home Office

• Opt for a laptop: Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer for better energy efficiency.
• Utilize sleep mode: Set the computer to sleep mode rather than standby mode when not in use.
• Adjust screen standby settings: Configure the time it takes for the screen to enter standby mode.
• Set power-saving mode timer: Determine the time it takes for the computer to enter power-saving mode.
  
  

• Choose sleep mode over power-saving mode: Configure the computer to enter sleep mode instead of power-saving mode.
• Select balanced power-saving settings: Use a balanced power-saving mode instead of maximum performance mode.
• Limit processor speed: Set the maximum processor speed to 99% instead of 100%.
• Enable sleep mode button: Make the sleep mode activation button easily accessible.
• Use a web host: Opt for a web hosting service rather than maintaining a home server.

The Kitchen

One-time Actions

• Install water-saving nozzles: Attach water-saving nozzles to your taps to conserve hot water.
• Switch to induction cooktop: Replace your traditional stove with an energy-efficient induction hob.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Choose a fridge, freezer, and dishwasher with the highest energy class ratings.
• Use LED lighting: Opt for LED lights, including under-cabinet lighting and range hood lights.

Behavior

• Minimize stove and oven use: Opt for alternative cooking methods when possible.
• Defrost bread in the microwave: Thaw bread in the microwave instead of using a toaster.
• Cover pots while cooking: Use lids on pots to conserve heat and energy.
• Prepare meal preps: Make food in batches to reduce stove usage.
• Reuse pasta water: Use leftover pasta water for washing dishes.
  
  

• Heat water with kettle or microwave: Use a kettle or microwave instead of the stove to heat and boil water.
• Avoid overfilling kettle: Boil only the amount of water needed.
• Skip pre-rinsing dishes: Don't rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher; use a more intense cycle if needed and appropriate detergent for pre-wash.
• Reuse glassware: Use the same glass or cup for an extended period.
• Run full dishwasher loads: Operate the dishwasher only when it's full.
  
  

• Don't waste hot water: Avoid running hot water unnecessarily.
• Rinse packages with cold water: Quickly rinse packages using cold water; they don't need to be completely clean.
• Fill the toaster: Utilize all available toaster slots.
• Let hot water cool before pouring: Allow hot water to cool before draining.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator: Defrost frozen items in the fridge to save energy.
  
  

• Cool food before freezing: Chill food in the refrigerator before transferring it to the freezer.
• Monitor freezer temperature: Maintain a maximum freezer temperature of -18°C (0°F).
• Adjust refrigerator temperature: Set the temperature between 2°C (35.6°F) and 4°C (39.2°F) to optimize food preservation and minimize waste.
• Utilize refrigerator and freezer drawers: Use drawers to prevent cold air from escaping when opening the door.
• Clean refrigerator and freezer coils: Keep the back of the fridge and freezer clean for optimal performance.
  
  

• Ensure proper air circulation: Allow air to circulate around cooling elements in the fridge and freezer.
• Minimize door openings: Limit the frequency and duration of fridge and freezer door openings.
• Use a coffee maker timer: Set a timer on your coffee maker for improved energy efficiency and fire safety.
• Connect dishwasher to cold water supply: In Europe, connect the dishwasher to a cold water supply.
• Use range hood sparingly: Be conservative with the range hood; opt for carbon filters to save energy.
  
  

The Laundry Room

One-time Actions

• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Choose low-energy consumption equipment when replacing laundry appliances.

Behaviors

• Air dry laundry: Hang laundry to dry instead of using a dryer.
• Utilize eco programs: Select eco-friendly settings on washing machines and dryers.
• Fill laundry machines: Wash and dry full loads to maximize efficiency.
• Wash at lower temperatures: Use cooler water settings when washing clothes.
• Spin clothes before tumble drying: Spin laundry one more time before using the tumble dryer or drying cabinet.

Extreme

Cool washing machine water before draining: Allow the washing machine to fill a drum that cools the water before draining it.