Tips for households
What can I do to save energy?
Tips
Electric appliances with stand by
Appliances with stand by, such as television sets that can be turned off via remote control, still use electricity. New appliances use considerably less electricity in stand by mode than older ones.
Washing up
When washing up by hand, avoid letting the hot water run. If you use a dishwasher, always fill it completely before starting. This will lower your electricity bills and it's better for the environment.
The shower
Use a water-saving shower head that only uses one-third the amount of water – and energy – as an ordinary one.
Towel driers
Nice warm towels and a more comfortable bathroom are some of the advantages provided by towel driers. But using one every day consumes between 365 and 730 kWh per year.
The freezer
Every degree below -18° C increases your electricity consumption by 5 per cent. Let food cool down before freezing. Let frozen goods thaw in the refrigerator. Defrost regularly and dust the pipes on the back.
Insulation
Many houses are poorly insulated. Investing in extra insulation for floors, walls and ceilings, along with replacing old windows, generate energy savings.
Taps
A dripping hot-water tap can consume the equivalent of 1,000 kWh of energy and 15,000 litres of water per year.
The refrigerator, freezer and other white goods
A slightly more expensive but more efficient appliance can be less expensive in the long run. You can save a lot by replacing an old freezer with a new, more energy-efficient one. Dusting behind the refrigerator and freezer will reduce the amount of electricity you use.
Airing
Air out the house briefly and thoroughly, with the radiators turned off. Wait half an hour before turning the heat up again.
Heat
Reducing the temperature in your house by 1 degree lowers your heating energy consumption by about 5 per cent. Temperatures of 21° C in the sitting room, 18° C in the bedrooms and 5–10° C in storage areas and the garage are recommended.
Pans and kettles
Use saucepans and frying pans that are the same size as your cooker plates. Keep the lid on and avoid using more heat than necessary. Kettles use less electricity.
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