Using less energy, using energy at the right time or not using energy unnecessarily: there are various ways to reduce your consumption - and therefore your energy costs. The good news: little things often make for interesting savings. Here you have 10 examples that will probably work for you too.
1. Energy-saving cooking: the pressure cooker
A pressure cooker or pressure cooker does not release steam like a regular pan. This creates high pressure and accelerates the cooking time: you only need two-thirds of the normal cooking time. This ensures that your energy consumption is reduced by as much as 50%. In addition, your food is ready faster and the vitamins and taste are better preserved. So only benefits.
2. Energy-saving cooking: wok cooking
The wok is a very energy-friendly way to cook for two reasons. In the first place, you prepare your dishes with woks short but fierce. The cooking time is therefore limited, which means that your stove does not have to work for a long time. In addition, the wok is a one-pan dish: you can put all ingredients in the same wok pan. So you only need one burner or hob. Also a nice bonus: you have fewer dishes!
Read more: electricity suppliers
3. Energy-saving washing: fill your drum
Washing costs a lot of energy and you often use your washing machine. Reasons enough to wash smartly. You can achieve significant savings by only running a full washing machine. The 'half wash' program actually saves you little because heating water is the greatest cost. Do you already have a solar water heater? Then choose a 'hot fill system. The hot water then enters the machine directly. This way you save 50% on energy.
4. Energy-saving drying with a heat pump
A classic condenser dryer heats the air with an electric heating element. The new heat pump dryers use the moist air that comes out of your drum. How does that work? A coolant condenses the moisture and is reused as dry air. That quickly saves you half of the electricity compared to an A + condensation dryer. Heat pump dryers are slightly more expensive to purchase, but your savings are much greater.
5. Energy-saving washing with the delay button
Do you have a double meter and do you use electricity at night (and on weekends) for a lower price? Then the delay button is the solution to lower your energy costs. This function is on your washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer. This way you can easily set the start time and you do not have to wait for the nightly rate period to start.
6. Energy-saving heating with the smart thermostat
Heating costs make up about 60% of your total energy budget. That is where you can get the most profit. The easiest way is to install a smart thermostat. It automatically regulates the ideal temperature and saves up to 31% energy. This is mainly because you never heat unnecessarily thanks to the smart thermostat. You can read how this works exactly here.
7. Energy-saving living: opt for HR ++ glass
HR ++ glass is double glass with 2 layers of insulation. This has the advantage that you do not have condensation on the inside and that the heat stays better in your home. HR ++ glass is up to 20% more energy-efficient than double glass. HR ++ glass (U value 1.2) has an insulation value 2.5 times higher than 'normal' double glass (U value 2.7). If you are going to renovate, this is the ideal time to save on your energy costs and increase your comfort with HR ++ glass.
8. Energy-saving living: request an energy scan or energy audit
How do you find out how your home can be more energy efficient? That is not easy, but fortunately, there is professional help. The Flemish government has an energy scan that is even free for certain groups. A specialist will visit and point out the important points for improvement. The advice is without obligation. An energy audit is a second possibility. It is more in-depth than an energy scan: you receive an energy performance certificate from your home and detailed advice. The costs depend on the size of your home. But you do have substantiated advice to invest and thus save.
9. Energy-saving lighting: intelligent lighting
Saving on the energy costs of your lighting is easy. LED lighting consumes 85% less than an incandescent lamp. But it is also worthwhile to discover the benefits of intelligent lighting. This lighting works with motion sensors. When you leave a room, the light goes out. You can also turn off all lights at the touch of a button - even when you're not at home - and simply program the light intensity. Intelligent lighting is easy to install via your home network, making an application very accessible.
10. Energy-saving cooling with these practical tips
A refrigerator works day and night, but you can make it work a little less hard. The first way: ensure good ventilation around the refrigerator. If the dissipated heat cannot escape properly, and thus blocks, the refrigerator uses extra energy to reach the desired temperature. Also, check that there are no cracks in the rubber seals on the door. This way, no cold can escape. The last tip is the easiest: put what you often need in the front of the refrigerator. Then you don't have to leave the door open for too long. Because that is an important cause of extra energy consumption.
