Saving electricity costs

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Pay attention to energy efficiency classes
When purchasing new appliances, pay attention to the energy efficiency class (EEC), which is indicated on the EU energy label of the appliance. In 2021, the energy label was changed and no longer contains plus classes such as 'A+++' or 'A++'. The scale of energy classes now ranges from A (best) to G (worst). If possible, choose an appliance with low energy consumption and save energy costs in the long term. Many appliances with a good or very good efficiency class not only protect the environment, but also end up costing less over their service life than a cheap 'energy guzzler'.

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More light for less energy
Use modern LED lamps for lighting. This will save energy and money. LED stands for "Light Emitting Diode". Compared to outdated light sources such as incandescent lamps, LEDs offer advantages in terms of energy efficiency, quality and service life. When buying, also look out for the EU energy label, which identifies energy-saving models. For this label, too, the scale was adjusted in 2021 and now ranges from A (highest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency).

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Avoid stand-by losses with TV & Co.
Stand-by operation of electrical devices is practical, but also expensive. Therefore, it is better to connect the TV, receiver, WLAN router and the like to a power strip that can be switched off at night and during the day when no one is at home. Tip: If you tend to forget to switch it off, you can solve this problem with a timer.

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Energy-saving tips for PC & co.
Set the screensaver on your computer or laptop so that it starts after a five-minute break. It would be even better to go without the screensaver and instead use the energy-saving mode of the device. You can also save electricity by reducing the brightness of the display. Don't forget: When you are not using the devices, simply unplug them to avoid stand-by losses. It is best to switch off the WLAN router over night.

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Cooling energy-efficiently

Open the door of the refrigerator only as briefly as necessary, as the warm air that enters easily leads to ice formation and thus to an increase inelectricity consumption. Regularly check the temperature setting. Inside the refrigerator, 7 °C is perfectly adequate. For freezers, a temperature of -18 °C is sufficient. Every degree less costs 10 percent more energy. Don't forget to defrost the fridge or freezer once or twice a year. This helps reducing your electricity consumption as well.

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Small special devices are great energy savers
A coffee maker delivers your much-loved wake-up drink in a more energy-saving and convenient way than brewing it by hand. Egg cookers and toasters are also particularly energy-efficient. Avoid appliances with rechargeable batteries if possible.

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It doesn't always have to be really hot
The washing effect of detergents nowadays is so good that laundry that needs to be boiled also gets clean at 60 °C. Make the most of the washing machine's capacity and do not use the prewash cycle for laundry that is only soiled normally. If you wash coloureds at 30 °C to 40 °C, you can save about 200 kWh of electricity, 5,000 litres of water, and 16 kilograms of detergent per year. Drying on the drying rack instead of in the dryer also helps to save energy. If available, you should use the eco-modes of your machine: this often takes longer, but uses less energy.