The easiest way to reduce energy expenses is by lowering the indoor temperature. Lowering the temperature by just one degree Celsius in a home or apartment can decrease heating costs by up to six percent. This is one of the many energy-saving tips that can help households reduce their energy consumption and save money on utility bills.
Proper ventilation is also crucial in reducing energy usage. It is more economical to ventilate a space for a short and intense period than to leave a window open overnight or use a ventilation fan. Properly-sized curtains and drapes that do not obstruct air circulation can also contribute to energy savings. In the kitchen, heating only the necessary amount of water is a practical way to save energy. For example, only immediately fill a kettle with the amount of water consumed.
Using a lid on pots and pans can accelerate water heating when cooking. It is also essential to use appropriately sized cookware. Using a small pot on a large burner or vice versa wastes energy. Dishwashers should only be turned on when fully loaded to reduce energy consumption.
Refrigerators and freezers should be set to five to seven degrees Celsius and minus 15 degrees Celsius, respectively. Over-cooling and over-freezing can lead to higher consumption and utility bills. Regular defrosting of the fridge and freezer is also crucial. A layer of ice over three millimeters thick can increase energy consumption in the freezer by up to 30 percent. The fridge should also be positioned away from heat sources such as stoves and radiators. Every additional degree of Celsius in the environment around the fridge increases its energy consumption by approximately four percent.
Taking shorter showers for three to five minutes instead of taking a bath or having a long shower can result in significant long-term savings. A four-minute shower is three to four times more energy-efficient than filling up a bathtub. The water in the boiler only needs to be heated to a temperature of 50 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Laundry can also be done with energy efficiency in mind. By washing clothes at a lower temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and using an eco-friendly program, up to 30-40 percent of electricity can be saved. While eco-programs take longer, they consume less water and electricity. A washing machine should also be filled to at least three-quarters of its capacity to conserve water and electricity. Over-filling or under-filling the washing machine can result in waste.
Old appliances are among the biggest electricity consumers. Modern refrigerators, for example, consume one-third of the electricity of their ten-year-old counterparts. Replacing outdated appliances can result in annual savings that could cost thousands of dollars. Homeowners with old, energy-intensive devices may consider upgrading their circuit breakers to improve energy efficiency. These simple tips and tricks can significantly reduce energy consumption and save households money on utility bills.