Lighting – Start with the Basics

1. Make the most of natural daylight. Use light-colored curtains, keep your windows clean, and avoid clutter on windowsills.
2. Light-colored walls reflect up to 80% of light, while dark walls reflect only about 15%. Choose paint colors wisely when renovating.
3. Clean light bulbs shine brighter. Dust and dirt can reduce lighting efficiency by up to 30%.

Smart Lighting = Lower Energy Bills

• Combine general and task lighting to make your lighting more efficient.
• Install dimmers and motion sensors for greater convenience and energy savings.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. They last 6–7 times longer and usually pay for themselves within a year.
• Turn off the lights if you leave a room for more than 10 minutes.

Heat Means Savings

• Keep radiators clean and unobstructed. Don’t cover them with curtains or furniture.
• Install a reflective panel behind the radiator to increase room temperature by 1–2°C.
• Insulate windows, balconies, floors, and entrance doors. Up to 70% of heat loss occurs through these areas.

Home Appliances – Choose Wisely

• Buy appliances with an A energy rating or higher. They may cost more upfront but can reduce energy consumption by up to two-thirds.
• Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Standby mode still consumes electricity.
• Don’t leave chargers plugged in unnecessarily—they continue to draw power and generate heat.

Cook Efficiently

• Use cookware that matches the size of the burner.
• Cook with a lid on the pot to save up to 30% of energy.
• Remove limescale from your kettle regularly and boil only the amount of water you need.

Keep Appliances Clean and Efficient

• A vacuum cleaner with a full dust bag can lose up to 40% of its suction power.
• An A-rated washing machine can save hundreds of kilowatt-hours of electricity over 10 years.
• The monitor can consume up to 70% of a computer’s power. If you’re away for a while, turn off the monitor instead of shutting down the entire system.