The prices of energy resources are rising; therefore, it is important to use these resources wisely on a daily basis, without wasting them. Specialists of the Elektrum Energy Efficiency Centre provide several recommendations on how to reduce the consumption of energy resources by changing your habits.

In the kitchen

To make a hot drink quickly and effectively, we recommend boiling water in an electric kettle and paying attention to the amount of water poured into it. By boiling only the required amount of water, instead of a full kettle, you will save up to 75% of electricity for boiling water.

Remember, however, that it is not recommended to boil less water in an electric kettle than the minimum mark on the kettle, so as not to damage its heating element. In addition, the kettle heating element must be decalcified regularly, as a 1 mm layer of calcification increases the consumption of electricity for boiling water by 10%.

Take care of the fridge as well, it should be kept in good condition so that it can store products – cold and frozen – in an energy-efficient way.

Set the temperature to +5 °C in the fridge and -18 °C in the freezer. For every degree below that, the fridge’s power consumption rises 5%. If the fridge has a temperature controller without specific temperature levels, you can check the temperature by putting a thermometer suitable for such temperatures in the refrigerator.

Likewise, electricity consumption will be lower if you do not leave the fridge and freezer half-empty, i.e. not less than 60% of its space is filled with products. However, it should not be filled to the maximum, as air circulation will not occur and electricity consumption will increase.

When cooking on the stove, it is important to remember to put a lid on the pot or pan, preferably glass, to prevent heat loss and not increase gas or electricity consumption.

See if your water faucet is equipped with an aerator, or a special nozzle with a strainer, which mixes air into the water and reduces water consumption by half, but maintains the intensity of the water jet. With the aerator, 5-6 litres of water flow out of the water tap in one minute, but at least 10-12 litres of water if there is no such nozzle.

Also, fix a leaking water faucet, as a leaking faucet can cause up to 90 litres of water loss per day.

Bathroom

If the washing machine is operated at 40 °C instead of 60 °C, electricity consumption can be reduced by 25%, and up to 45% if set at 30 °C. If you are already washing laundry at 40 °C, it is recommended to wash it at 30 °C to reduce electricity consumption by 25%. In addition, choosing the right washing temperature will make your clothes last longer, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's washing instructions seen on your clothing labels. However, it is recommended to wash towels, bed linen and heavily soiled clothing at higher temperatures.

To reduce water consumption, take a shower instead of a bath. Water consumption is 3 times less if you take a shower. Regulate the water flow and do not run the water excessively! If you reduce the showering time by just 2 minutes, it is possible to save up to 8000 litres of water per year. And if you use a water heater for hot water, it will also reduce your power consumption by 300 kWh per year.

If you use a water heater or boiler at home, its optimal temperature is 55-59 °C. Beyond this, the heating element starts to calcify, but if the temperature is below 55 °C, bacteria multiply intensively and the water starts to smell. If the maximum temperature of 93-97 °C is recklessly set, the boiler walls will heat up and the room will be heated, not just the water. As a result, electricity consumption increases.

The water heater should be maintained at least once a year. Why? A calcified heating element on a water heater significantly increases the electricity consumption for heating water. To maintain the boiler, it is necessary to clean its heating element, assess the condition of the anode and rinse the inside of the boiler thoroughly. If you have the knowledge, you can do it on your own, if not – it is better to invite a knowledgeable master.

Living area

During the day, open the curtains and move objects that block sunlight, but in the evening, close the curtains. Take advantage of curtains – they work as a good heat insulator.

If you are heating the room with the heater, then use its temperature adjustment options – do not operate it at the maximum level unless necessary. Use the maximum level only to heat up the room quickly, but set it lower later. The heating of the premises will be much more efficient and wallet-friendly! Besides, the electricity consumption will decrease by 5%, if the temperature of the heater is only decreased by 1 degree.

Free the radiators! A radiator will not provide maximum heat if air cannot flow through it. Make sure that furniture and other objects do not restrict the air flow and move them if necessary.

Reduce the temperature in the room by one degree and you will save 5% of energy consumption for heating. This can be compensated for by wearing your favourite sweater and warm socks. When staying in the house, the recommended temperature is 20-22 °C during the day, at other times within 16-18 °C.

Also remember to air the rooms! Do it effectively – opening the window all the way and for a short time will allow the air to exchange more quickly and help prevent excessive cooling of the room. To ventilate the room, first turn off the heating devices.

If you are not going to use your TV, computer, audio system or other electrical devices that have a digital display or a small light for a long time, unplug them from the socket outlet to reduce electricity consumption. In standby mode, appliances consume 10% of the total electricity consumption on average.

To facilitate the daily use of these electrical appliances, we recommend choosing an extension cord with an on/off switch. This will disconnect several electrical appliances in standby mode with one touch!