6 tips for saving energy at home
You have probably heard (or noticed): the prices for gas and electricity are skyrocketing. And we will see the effect of that on our back accounts soon … Does this make you wonder how you could save energy at home? We’ll give you a few tips.
1. Choose energy-saving devices
The most obvious way to reduce your energy consumption: buy energy-efficient appliances. Are you buying new appliances or are your old ones in need of replacement? When searching, make sure to filter the energy label between A+ and A+++.
These types of appliances cost a little more at the time of purchase, but will save you a lot of money in the long run.
2. De-ice your freezer
Did you know that a layer of ice as thin as two millimetres can increase the energy consumption of your freezer by 10%? That is why it is advisable to regularly defrost your freezer completely.
3. Avoid standby consumption
We don’t always realise it, but some appliances consume energy even when we are not using them. We call this ‘silent consumption’. To avoid this, it is best to switch off your appliances completely by unplugging them from the wall socket. When you switch off an appliance via the remote control, it is often in standby mode and not completely switched off.
To make your life a little easier, you can put several plugs in one multiple socket or extension cord with a switch. That way, you can switch all appliances on and off at the push of a button.
4. Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs
Lighting is a major energy consumer in the home. It is therefore wise to choose durable lamps such as LED lamps. These bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than ordinary light bulbs and also last much longer.
LED lamps can be installed both indoors and outdoors and come in different shapes and sizes.
Nowadays, there are even lamps that you can control remotely with your smartphone. This way, you can control your lamps from your bed or the couch at any time. Handy, right?
5. Use light only when necessary
But whatever way you look at it, LED lamp or incandescent lamp, the best way to save energy is to be aware of how you use light. Is it really necessary to leave your lights on? Or is there enough natural daylight in the room? Then feel free to leave the lights off.
Do you regularly walk from one room to another in your house? Then make sure that you switch off the light when you leave a room. After all, your cat, dog or furniture are not afraid of the dark!
6. Do your laundry in a more sustainable way
Our clothes need to be washed, there’s no way around it. But there are ways to do your laundry in a more sustainable way. A few ways to do this:
- Wash clothes at lower temperatures (30°C is often sufficient);
- Running the washing machine during off-peak hours;
- Choose a short 20 or 30 minute wash cycle when your laundry is not that dirty.
It is also a good idea to let your laundry dry on a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer. That way, you save money and energy.
There, these are six ways you can reduce your energy consumption and contribute to a healthier environment at the same time. Good luck!