Everyone is talking about expensive gas prices and rising energy prices in the upcoming winter. But action is better than just talking about it. We have summarized the best and simplest energy saving tips for your household for you.
Energy saving tip 1: Automatically lower the temperature at night and possibly also during the day
You can use your heating system to set times with specific room temperatures. When getting up in the morning, it is a good idea to set a comfortable temperature. As soon as you are out of the house for work you can reduce the temperature and before you get home you can increase the temperature again. And before going to bed, lower the temperature again.
This saves a lot on heating costs, the rule of thumb here is: 1 degree Celsius less saves 6% on energy costs. What you absolutely must not do is not heat at all. This leads to mold formation and heating up in between costs a lot more energy than heating constantly and economically.
Energy saving tip 2: Ventilate YES! Tilt windows NO!
We know it from school - between lessons all windows are opened completely for a few minutes and we have fresh air to breathe again. This applies 3-4 times a day, preferably after getting up and before going to bed. Leaving the window open all the time not only consumes a lot of energy unnecessarily, but also promotes the formation of mold in the home.
Energy-saving tip 3: Use a distributor plug with a built-in circuit breaker
Let's be honest. Our cell phone charging cable and the coffee machine, everything is always connected directly to the socket. Plugged-in devices and devices on standby - such as the television - consume an incredible amount of energy, much more than you think.
Therefore, the following applies: Either unplug or use a distributor plug with an off/on button and switch it off consistently if you do not need the energy source.
Energy saving tip 4: Hang curtains between room passages
Why heat the hallway when you only want it to be warm in the kitchen. In the case of open passageways, it is advisable to pretension a telescopic curtain rod with a single curtain. There are no limits to creativity here. Curtains can also separate great rooms flexibly and quickly and can even look very chic at the same time. Have fun letting off steam!
Energy saving tip 5: Set the fridge to level 1 and defrost if necessary
At level 1, our refrigerator cools our food down to around 7 degrees Celsius, which is completely sufficient and also protects the environment and your wallet. If the fridge or freezer is iced up, it is worth de-icing it. This can save a lot of energy. In addition, only what really needs to be cooled goes in the fridge. In winter you can also chill drinks outside on the terrace or balcony.
Energy saving tip 6: Use the washing machine and dishwasher at a maximum of 45 degrees
Try it. Even at a washing temperature of 45 degrees celsius and the appropriate detergent, your laundry smells wonderful and is just as clean. The same goes for the dishwasher. And in the end you did something good for yourself and the planet.
Energy saving tip 7: Dress warmly and cuddle with your partner
It may sound banal to some, but there are people who like to simulate summer in their apartments in winter. That means temperature up and short clothes on. Ultimately it's your decision, you can also put on long clothes and a warm sweater and cuddle on the couch with a blanket or partner.
Energy saving tip 8: Watch series with a laptop or smartphone instead of the TV
Especially in winter we sit more in front of the telly than in summer and stream our favorite series. You can also save electricity here: The smaller the display of your device, the lower the power consumption and the lower the amount of data that you have to stream, because that also consumes electricity.
Energy saving tip 9: Replace old electronic devices with new and energy-saving devices
You can also save a lot on costs here. The old freezer in the basement, the old television or the old fridge. Discard and buy a new device. After a few years, the energy savings usually equal the purchase price of the device. Attention: Aquariums are also big power guzzlers. If you cannot part with your aquarium, you should ensure that it is insulated as well as possible (from below, from the rear and optionally from the sides), that T5 fluorescent tubes are used and that fish species that can cope with low water temperatures are kept.
Energy saving tip 10: Less is more!
Is the living space I live in too big? Can I get by with less space and have I wanted to part with some of my dust collectors for a long time? Are unnecessarily many rooms being heated that I don't use at all? Maybe downsizing and living in a smaller living space is an option. We offer one possibility with our Tiny Houses from vagabundo. In combination with a sustainable energy supply, you save a lot of money and live a self-determined life.