Energy-saving tips
We can all save energy!
Security of supply for the Austrian power grid has now reached a higher-than-average figure of 99.99%. Despite various uncertainties that are currently facing the electricity supply in Europe, a stress test by APG has confirmed that Austria, in a realistic scenario, is well placed to cope with these huge challenges, including the energy-intensive demands of the forthcoming winter. However, the burden on our power grid will increase in the next few months due to the colder season. Peaks in energy consumption will have to be balanced by the short-term use of expensive gas power plants. Here you can find useful tips on how to reduce your own energy consumption and thus lower your household expenses while also easing the strain on the Austrian power grid for the long term.
(Source: Prof. Hans Auer, TU Wien)
Top three energy-saving tips
Check the efficiency rating and the age of all electrical appliances and devices
and if necessary swap these for more efficient up-to-date appliances and devices. This can reduce the amount of electricity you use considerably.
Use effective control devices
such as thermostats and time switches. These help to reduce electricity flows and hot water heating to the necessary level.
Check seals and insulation
around windows, doors and heating pipes, in refrigerators and around the building envelope. Seek advice from a professional tradesperson.
Tips for saving energy/electricity
Heating
- Air rooms by fully opening windows several times a day for 5–10 minutes (not forgetting to turn off the heating while you do so!)
- Avoid blocking radiators and remember to close blinds or curtains at night
- Close doors and set the temperature for each room individually (effective thermostats on radiators help to control the temperature)
- Have your heating system serviced regularly and replace old circulation pumps
- Bleed your heaters
Air conditioning
- Only use an air conditioning system in exceptional cases – simple measures can help you to cope better with the heat
- Only switch on the air conditioning when you need it and minimise its use
- Switch off the air conditioning system fully or disconnect it from the mains instead of leaving it on standby
- Open windows at night and air your home early in the morning
- Keep windows closed during the day and close blinds or curtains if possible; however, continue to air your home regularly for short intensive periods
The right insulation for summer and winter
- Seal windows and doors (especially in old buildings)
- Check the insultation of heating pipes and upgrade if required
- Check the building insulation and, if necessary, get it looked at to see if it should be renewed
Energy-saving tips
Refrigerator
- Check the electricity consumption of your freezer and refrigerator and replace with a new, more energy-efficient appliance if required
- Choose a size of freezer or refrigerator that meets your actual needs (when purchasing a new appliance)
- Check the seals
- Regularly defrost your freezer and refrigerator
- Ensure the refrigerator temperature is set correctly
- Preferably choose a cool and shady location for refrigerators and freezers
- Store items in your refrigerator using the correct shelves and compartments
- Place frozen foods you wish to defrost in the refrigerator to make use of their cold temperature
- Do not put hot or warm food in the refrigerator
Cooking and washing-up
- Check the electricity consumption of your stove and oven
- Cook efficiently on the right-sized hob and put a lid on your pan
- Use more efficient appliances such as a kettle, microwave and dishwasher
- Keep the oven door closed as much as possible and use the fan setting
Bathroom
- Use cold water when washing, shaving and brushing teeth at the basin
- Operate your boiler efficiently using a time switch
- Use energy-saving taps and fittings
- Shower instead of having a bath
- Check the electricity consumption of your washing machine and replace it with a more efficient appliance if needed
- Use your washing machine efficiently
- Only use your tumble dryer if absolutely necessary
Energy-saving tips
Electrical appliances, devices and lighting
- Check the consumption of all electrical appliances and devices and replace if required
- Fit all lights with LED bulbs
- Avoid standby mode by using time switches or energy-saving power strips
- Only turn on the lights when and where you really need them
- Use smart home applications for efficient use of appliances, devices and lighting
- Set the brightness, display contrast and volume of media devices to energy-saving mode
- Never disconnect your printer from the mains – leave it on standby instead
- Charge battery devices efficiently instead of leaving them to charge over night
6 %
10 %
50 %
10 %
90 %