There are many ways to reduce electricity costs. There is potential for savings in almost all areas of the household, whether through technical innovations or a change in one's own behavior. We have compiled the best tips. These save money while simultaneously protecting the environment.
1. Switch to LED lighting
Since the ban on incandescent light bulbs in 2009, most users have relied on energy-saving lamps. While these are more efficient, they contain toxic mercury. This poses a major problem during disposal. In addition, the bulbs emit toxic substances that impair the indoor climate. A better alternative is LEDs. These are only slightly more expensive. Calculated over their lifespan, they are the better purchase. For comparison:
- LEDs have a lifespan of 25,000 to 100,000 hours.
- Energy-saving models are used for a maximum of 6,000 to 10,000 hours.
In addition, you save high electricity costs with LEDs. They reach efficiency classes A++ or A+. Energy-saving lamps reach the lower level A. If you switch, you consume an average of 32 percent less electricity.
2. Rely on an energy-efficient refrigerator
Refrigerators run around the clock. Old models with low energy efficiency consume almost a quarter of your electricity needs. Modern appliances are very economical and simultaneously reduce CO2 emissions. Products in class A+++ are the most effective. It is important that you buy a refrigerator that suits your needs. If you are not feeding a large family, an XXL model is an unnecessary power guzzler.2Note: Iced-up refrigerators and freezers increase electricity consumption by 30 percent (with half a centimeter of icing). Defrost the appliances regularly. Close the door quickly after each opening so that less cold escapes.
3. Do without air conditioning
Air conditioning units are among the biggest power guzzlers in the household. If you use them for eight hours per month, they consume an average of 165 kilograms of CO2. A fan requires less electricity. If you do not want to do without a cooling device, it is recommended to purchase a model with an energy efficiency of at least A+.
4. Wash your laundry in an energy-efficient way2Thanks to good detergents that clean effectively even at low temperatures, you do not need a pre-wash. Often, the short wash program is sufficient. Appliances with an eco-program use less energy despite longer running times.
Washing machines consume the most electricity for heating the water. At 30 °C, they require less electricity than at 60 °C. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the temperature. Tip: Collect the laundry. A full wash load is more efficient than a half-empty machine. If you subsequently do without the dryer, you save up to 180 euros annually.
5. Switch from a PC to a laptop
For a long battery life, notebooks require less energy than a desktop computer. The latter consume an average of 200 watts. The laptop only 30 watts.
The devices have even more potential for savings if you optimize the energy settings in the operating system. There is an energy-saving mode for this. Reducing the brightness also provides a small savings effect.
6. Only boil as much water as you need
Instead of the old tea kettle, most people now rely on a more efficient electric kettle. But there is potential for savings here too. Heat only as much liquid as you actually need. This reduces the costs for water and energy. At the same time, you produce less CO2. If you use devices with a fill level indicator, you know exactly how much you need. Make sure that you fill in the minimum amount of water so as not to damage the kettle.
Many devices only switch off long after reaching the boiling point. To save electricity, turn off the kettle yourself.
Pro-tip: Switch to green electricity2There are now numerous providers in Austria that offer electricity from renewable energy sources at a favorable price. This does not save electricity, but it does save costs. We recommend
Note:green electricity from sigi
. Since 2020, the online brand has been offering fair and long-term solutions for efficient electricity and gas supply. Sigi offers a unique price concept that protects customers against strong price fluctuations. To do this, the company uses average market prices on a quarterly basis to offer green electricity or gas at a lower price. Specifically, electricity from sigi is always 1 cent/kWh cheaper than the average. For gas, it is 0.5 cents/kWh. The best part? Green electricity is climate-neutral. No harmful CO2 emissions are produced through combustion.
It is the little things that count when saving energyDoing without a dryer and air conditioning brings the greatest potential for saving electricity and CO2. The same applies to reducing the temperature when washing laundry. In the long term, it is recommended to invest in efficient appliances for cooling, freezing, and washing. Replacing energy-saving lamps with LEDs protects the environment and your wallet. To ensure the hacks pay off, look for a favorable electricity tariff. By switching to electricity from renewable energy sources, you also reduce your ecological footprint – an investment that pays off!Posted on: 05/17/20212Save electricity through efficient appliances ? reduces CO2 emissions ? use sigi green electricity ? Improve your ecological footprint now!
There are many ways to reduce electricity costs. There is potential for savings in almost all areas of the household, whether through technical innovations or a change in one's own behavior. We have compiled the best tips. These save money while simultaneously protecting the environment. 1. Switch to LED lighting Since the ban on incandescent light bulbs in 2009, most users have relied on
Der Verzicht auf Trockner und Klimaanlage bringt das größte Einsparpotenzial von Strom und CO2 mit sich. Gleiches gilt für die Reduktion der Temperatur beim Wäschewaschen. Langfristig empfiehlt sich die Investition in effiziente Geräte zum Kühlen, Gefrieren und Waschen. Der Austausch von Energiesparlampen gegen LEDs schont Umwelt und Geldbeutel. Damit sich die Hacks auszahlen, achten Sie auf einen günstigen Stromtarif. Mit einem Wechsel zu Strom aus erneuerbaren Energien reduzieren Sie zusätzlich Ihren ökologischen Fußabdruck – eine Investition, die sich auszahlt!
