Energy saving living made easy

Ventilate properly

The well-known tilt window: A little culprit when it comes to the efficient use of energy. Why? Tilted windows for ventilation allow only a small amount of fresh air to enter the house. Thus, it takes a long time until the ventilation achieves an effect and subsequently it is ventilated longer. During this time, however, a portion of the generated heat escapes continuously. This heat loss is consequently disproportionately large compared to the achieved ventilation effect – a waste of energy. It is therefore much more efficient, especially in the forthcoming cold season, to make short but powerful shocks with wide-open windows. The desired effect is achieved faster and because the windows are closed sooner, less valuable energy will escape.

Cook energy saving

Small adjustments during cooking can be very energy efficient without sacrificing taste.

For example, if possible, use an electric kettle instead of a pan on the stove to heat water. According to Energy Swiss, an electric kettle consumes about 50% less electricity than a cooking stove for the same result. You also can save energy by cooking your next serving of noodles with a lid rather than without. First of all, they cook faster, and second, about 30% less energy is needed until they are perfectly al dente.

Use the heater efficiently

Most of household electricity is consumed for heating space. But here, too, energy could be saved with ease.

It is worthwhile, for example, to see whether an optimal room temperature prevails in the individual rooms. Often, heaters are set too warm, and the reduction of just one degree already brings energy savings of 6%.  The principle applies: In the living room, 20-21° C is sufficient for comfortable living. In the bedroom 17-18°C is plenty.

Energy consumption also can be reduced by allowing the air to circulate freely in front of the heater. Furniture or curtains directly in front of the heater prevent the heat from spreading quickly and evenly throughout the room. If you put these aside, the heating will be faster, i.e. with less energy you can achieve the desired heat effect, because the heat now can flow freely into the room.