Saving money on electricity: Here's how

If you want to save electricity, you just need to follow a few tips and tricks and by no means have to sacrifice your usual comfort. First, it's about the right timing, and then about the power guzzlers.

In search of the power guzzlers

Probably the biggest power guzzler in your own four walls is often not even noticed – we are talking about the heating pump. It directs hot water into the radiators; however, the heating pump requires electricity for this process. If it is an incorrectly set or aging heating pump, huge amounts of electricity are "devoured". So, if you don't have a new heating system, you should first check the heating pump and – if it is an outdated device – replace it. A new heating pump ensures a significant decrease in power consumption, which also leads to a reduction in electricity costs.

But it's not just the heating pump that hasn't been checked for years that consumes electricity – entertainment devices can also be power guzzlers. This is mainly due to the standby mode. Anyone who does not disconnect their TV, DVD player, or music system from the power supply will receive a high electricity bill at the end of the year. The solution? Wireless sockets. The wireless sockets are switched on via the power strip – which is operated via the wireless socket. By means of a wireless remote control, the wireless socket can be switched on and off – it thus mutates into a main switch and actually disconnects the devices from the power supply. Such wireless socket sets are available from 10 euros and can be purchased at hardware stores or in online shops. 10 to 50 watts of electricity can be saved per day this way.

Tips and tricks

Another power guzzler is the refrigerator. Only if the refrigerator is tidy will you quickly find the food you are looking for and not have to stare into the fridge for seconds. Only if the refrigerator is opened briefly can you save electricity. Furthermore, the location also plays an essential role: Anyone who wants to save electricity should never place the refrigerator next to radiators or a stove – "sunny spots" should also be avoided. Another way to save electricity? If you use the oven, you can save electricity with the residual heat. Once the necessary baking temperature has been reached, the device can subsequently be switched off – shortly before the end of the baking time. If the baking time is about 45 minutes, you can turn down the temperature after just 35 minutes. Another tip: Preheating may be recommended in all recipes, but it is not recommended – anyone who does not preheat the oven can also save electricity.

Sometimes you should also change your electricity provider

Due to lower grid load, electricity is cheaper, especially at night. Households equipped with dual-tariff meters can certainly save electricity through clever timing. For example, when energy-intensive appliances, such as the washing machine or dryer, run at night. Newer appliances also have timers so that the washing operation can be programmed. If the washing machine is programmed for 11 p.m., it starts automatically. Attention: Tenants must be considerate of neighbors (noise nuisance)! Another possibility is changing the electricity provider. Especially if consumers are still in the so-called basic supply, they must expect to pay significantly higher electricity costs than those consumers who have opted for an alternative electricity provider.