10 energy-saving tips for the home

EHRET Wärmedämmung
28.06.2016 — Blog

Your home is also a haven for a whole host of energy guzzlers. Yet, even small energy-saving measures can make a noticeable contribution to reducing your costs for hot water, light and heating. What's more, the climate naturally also profits from the reduced consumption.

We have put together a wide range of energy-saving tips, which, among other aspects, go hand in hand with insulating window shutters from EHRET. All our recommendations are easy to incorporate in your everyday routine.

1. Take note of the energy class on electrical appliances

Old household appliances such as washing machines, fridges and dryers consume considerably more energy than modern, efficient ones. Manufacturers inform consumers about this via labels indicating the energy class that the model satisfies. When buying a new appliance, you should always look out for models with a rating of A+ to A+++.

Yet even here, there are differences: with an appliance from the A+ efficiency class, you save around 20 per cent on electricity compared to an A class appliance; this increases to approx. 40 per cent with an A++ model and even around 60 per cent with an A+++ appliance.

2. Position and use fridges and freezers correctly

 

A modern dishwasher operates very efficiently and even requires less water than you would need to wash the dishes by hand. However, it only really becomes economical when the appliance is working at full load and running the economy programme.

Modern washing machines clean the washing effectively even at a low temperature of 30 degrees. This reduces energy consumption by around a third in comparison to the 60 degree programme. As with dishwashers, washing machines should also only be operated at full load whenever possible in order to optimise energy consumption.

 

4. Use the sun as a dryer

 

Tumble dryers are one of the main energy guzzlers in the home. So why not dry your washing in the fresh air and sunshine and do without mains energy completely?

5. Insulating window shutters provide an excellent indoor climate

6. Airing the home is good for your health and saves energy

 

Allow fresh air inside your four walls! But don't simply leave the windows ajar, as this wastes energy and doesn't allow all the air in the home to be completely replaced. Instead, air the rooms with the windows fully open for between five and ten minutes to completely replace the air inside. The effect lasts for up to three hours. 

 

7. Save power in the kitchen

 

When cooking, energy costs can be reduced in lots of different little ways. For example, using the right lids for your pans can cut the energy required by two thirds. What's more, using a kettle, microwave or toaster saves energy on shorter cooking activities or when warming bread rolls, for example. 

A fan oven can also reduce energy costs, as you can set the temperature to between 20 and 30 degrees lower than with a conventional top and bottom heat oven. 

By applying these small measures at the hob and the oven, you can cut down your energy costs for cooking by up to 40 per cent in total. 

 

8. Replace old incandescent lightbulbs with energy-saving bulbs and LEDs 

 

Replace your incandescent lightbulbs with energy-saving bulbs and LEDs. It's definitely worth the switch, as new energy-saving bulbs use over 80 per cent less electricity. And this certainly pays off when you consider that between around 10 and 20 per cent of a household's energy costs come from lighting.

 

9. Switch off standby  

 

Appliances on standby still consume power. Completely switching off TVs, monitors and other appliances therefore generates noticeable savings. The easiest way of doing this is to use energy-saving power strips. Several appliances can be connected to one strip and all of them can be switched on or off at the flick of a switch.  

 

10. Save water in the shower 

 

It takes 200 litres of water to fill a bath, yet only 50 litres to take a shower. So why not enjoy a refreshing shower more often than a soak in the bath? Use a water-saving shower head and also make sure that your tap isn't dripping. Using a WC cistern with a flush stop also saves on resources.

 

Would you like to find out more about our insulating window shutters? Then get in touch.

You can find further information here: Insulation