Save energy at home

Heating, hot water and the car normally have the greatest importance for energy costs. Read more about the most important measures and about different energy consumers in the equipment list.

Heating, hot water, and cars typically have the most significant impact on energy costs. Learn 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, and 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

• Get water-saving nozzles for the taps. Save hot water.
• Switch to an induction hob.
• Switch to a fridge and freezer with the highest energy class.
• Switch to a dishwasher with a high energy class.
• Use LED lights. Also bench lighting and fan.

Behavior

• Avoid the stove and oven.
• Thaw bread in the microwave instead of the toaster.
• Use a lid when cooking.
• Prepare food boxes so you use the stove less.
• Use the pasta water for washing up water.

• Use a kettle or microwave instead of the stove to heat and boil water.
• Do not boil more water than you need. You can cook more.
• Do not rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Run a harder program if necessary instead and use detergent also for the pre-wash that many machines are designed for. Then the cheaper detergent will suffice.
• Use the same glass or cup for a long time.
• Run full dishwashers.

• Do not flush hot water when not needed. If used for a short time, the hot water does not reach the tap.
• Rinse packages immediately in COLD water. It doesn't have to be completely clean.
• Fill the toaster.
• Allow hot water to cool before pouring.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator.

• Cool the food first in the fridge before freezing it. The cooler is more efficient.
• Check the temperature in the freezer. Reputed is max - 18 C.
• Check the temperature in the fridge. There are 2 schools here. Either raise the temperature to 8 C or lower the temperature to maximize shelf life and minimize food waste. Meat should often have a maximum of +4 C.
• Use drawers in the fridge and freezer so that the cold does not run out when the door is opened.
• Keep the back of the fridge and freezer clean.

• Make sure that the air can circulate in the fridge and freezer at the cooling elements.
• Minimize the openings and opening time of the fridge and freezer.
• Set a timer on the coffee maker. Type with a quarter is recommended. Increases fire safety as well.
• Make sure the dishwasher is connected to cold water. (In Europe)
• Be sparing with the range hood if it goes out. Carbon filters are preferable from an energy perspective.

The laundry room

One-time actions

• Switch to equipment with low energy consumption when it's time for a new one.

Behaviors

• Hang dry the laundry.
• Use the eco programs.
• Fill up the machines.
• Wash at a lower temperature.
• Spin one more time before the tumble dryer or drying cabinet.

Extreme

Allow the washing machine to fill a drum that cools before draining.