Energy saving tips

We've all seen it: A small light on a TV, set-top box, or other device stays on even when the device is supposedly turned off. Many devices continue to use electricity even when in standby mode.

If you won't be using them for an extended period of time—for example, at night or while on vacation—it's best to unplug them or use a power strip with a switch. This makes it easy to disconnect multiple devices from the power supply with just one click.

A pre-wash is usually not necessary. And high temperatures are generally not needed for lightly or normally soiled laundry either. Often, 30 to 40 degrees is more than enough.

This saves electricity, since the washing machine uses most of its energy to heat the water. You can save even more by making sure the machine is well-filled and using the Eco cycle—even if it takes a little longer.

To prevent odors or germs from building up in the machine, the Consumer Advice Center recommends washing at 60 degrees once or twice a month.

Sure, the clothes dryer is convenient. But if the weather and space allow, it’s fine to hang your laundry out in the fresh air or on a clothesline once in a while. This saves electricity and is also gentler on many fabrics.

If you don't want to do without a dryer, you should spin-dry your laundry as thoroughly as possible beforehand and make sure the dryer is fully loaded.

Rule of thumb number one: Turn off the lights when they're not needed. Why light up rooms where no one is?

LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a long lifespan. So when a bulb needs to be replaced, it’s usually worth choosing an LED. But even with energy-efficient bulbs, the same rule applies: the light that uses the least electricity is the one that isn’t turned on in the first place.

You don't always have to turn on the stove for a cup of tea or a small amount of hot water. A kettle is usually the more economical choice. Just remember: Make sure to fill it with only as much water as you need.

It's also worth looking into the right appliance for other small quantities. For small portions, for example, a microwave can be more efficient than a stovetop or oven.

If you need a new refrigerator, it’s worth taking a close look at its energy consumption and energy rating. Also consider how large the appliance really needs to be and whether you even need a freezer compartment—because more storage space usually means higher energy consumption.

Location also plays a role: If the refrigerator is right next to the stove, a heater, or in direct sunlight, it has to work harder. And colder isn’t automatically better—a temperature of about 7 degrees in the refrigerator is usually sufficient. Every degree lower increases electricity consumption by about 6 percent.

And if you're going on a longer trip and the refrigerator is empty, it can take a break, too: turn it off, let it defrost, and leave the door open.