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In response to the lack of gas supplies from Russia, the city of Offenbach is significantly reducing its overall energy consumption by 20 percent in the fall and winter. Citizens can make their contribution and often reduce their own expenses at the same time.
At around 70 percent, heating accounts for the majority of energy consumption in a household. This is where the most savings can be made:
Set the heating valve to level 3: In a cold room, never immediately set the thermostat valve to the highest setting. This will not heat the room any faster. Level three corresponds roughly to an optimum room temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Moving the valve to the next level changes the room temperature by around four degrees Celsius. This only heats the room unnecessarily for longer and exceeds a healthy room temperature.
If nobody is at home for a longer period of time during the day, the heating valve should be turned down or the heating switched off.
Keep radiators clear: Overhanging curtains, heating panels and furniture should be removed.
Reduce the room temperature moderately: Every degree you reduce will result in around six percent lower heating costs. Lowering the room temperature at night - between 16 and 18 degrees is sufficient - can save between five and ten percent on heating costs.
Venting and hydronic balancing: Venting radiators can save around 50 euros in heating costs per year. The same applies to hydronic balancing. Specialist tradespeople ensure that all radiators have the best possible flow.
Ventilation: Shock ventilation instead of tilting windows
In winter, it is sufficient to ventilate the home for two to three minutes several times a day, turn off the heating and open the windows wide. Shock ventilation should ideally be carried out across the entire apartment.
With underfloor heating, the type of installation is important. Underfloor heating that has been laid wet and covered with screed can remain switched on during ventilation, whereas dry underfloor heating should be switched off.
As a rule, three airing sessions per day are sufficient. When cooking, showering or drying laundry, the room should be aired immediately and , if necessary, up to five times a day.
Under no circumstances should windows always be left tilted, as this only increases the consumption of heating energy.
Rooms that are not continuously heated, such as the bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, should be ventilated properly. This will prevent mold growth.
Tap: the right position makes all the difference
Many households have single-lever mixer taps. The lever is often left in the middle position - because people are used to it or because it looks nicer. If you now open the tap, for example when brushing your teeth or washing vegetables, both supply pipes are opened even if the water is drawn briefly. This means that hot water is added, even if it is not actually desired or necessary. Often, the hot water cannot travel through the pipes in the short time available. With newer taps, the "cold" setting is already in the middle. So: turn the tap to the cold setting after use and the bill will be cheaper.
PC, chargers and co.: flip the switch
Televisions, PCs, games consoles and chargers draw power in standby mode or only when they are connected to the mains. You can save electricity simply and easily by using a multiple socket with a switch for entertainment devices. If the smartphone is charging, you should not only unplug the charging cable from the smartphone, but also the charger from the socket.
Heat the water: It's boiling here
Which appliance is the most economical way to boil water? For tea water, the kettle is generally quick and efficient - especially when compared to electric stoves, microwaves and stoves with ceramic hobs. Some people pre-boil water in the kettle and then pour it into a pot for pasta water, for example. This procedure does not make sense as both appliances require energy. In addition, the water from the kettle cools down again when it is poured into the still cold saucepan.
Cleaning: Hot water is rarely necessary
For most all-purpose cleaners, cold water is sufficient to achieve good cleaning performance, explains the European consumer portal for the detergent and cleaning products industry. The reason: the cleaning agents contain alcohol, which evaporates more quickly under the influence of heat. This can impair the cleaning effect.
However, some all-purpose cleaners state that they should be used with warm water. You should therefore always read the instructions for the correct dosage and application.
However, if warm water is not specifically required, it is sufficient to clean with cold water.
Washing machine: Full load
Washing machines should always be fully loaded. Washing at 40 degrees instead of 60 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees instead of 90 degrees reduces consumption by 40 percent.
LED lamps: the right lighting
A lot of energy can be saved when choosing lighting. The advantages of LEDs over energy-saving lamps are their service life, the fact that they are bright without a start-up time and their lower overall costs.
As the light color strongly influences the perception of brightness, warm white LEDs (2,700 to 3,300 Kelvin) are recommended for living areas. The light has a cozy yellowish-white effect. Neutral white light can be used in the study, hallway and kitchen.
Fridge and freezer: defrosting and setting correctly
Newer freezers and parts in refrigerators often have an automatic defrost function. We recommend defrosting old appliances at least once a year. This is because five millimeters of icing increases the power consumption of a refrigerator by around 30 percent.
Energy can also be saved by setting the cooling temperature correctly: seven degrees in the fridge and minus 18 degrees in the freezer compartment is sufficient.
Purchase of new devices
Replacing an electrical appliance in the household can also save money: Newer (also used) appliances are often more economical. EVO explains what to look out for when it comes to energy consumption:
Quickly ask Google, listen to a song, stream movies: The electricity for the internet also comes from the socket and a few small settings and changes in behavior can make a big difference:
According to the Öko-Institut, anyone who uses Google for 50 search queries per day causes CO2 emissions of 26 kilograms per year. This is roughly equivalent to driving 100 kilometers in a small car. We therefore recommend entering the Internet address directly instead of googling a web address. If you visit websites regularly, it is best to create favorites - this saves search queries and www.offenbach.de belongs on every list anyway.
Cell phones and computers work a bit like cars: they also need a moment to get going again after being switched off. The difference here: If you are only taking a break, you don't have to switch off the car, but can let the device sleep to save energy. So instead of shutting down the computer during longer breaks, it can simply be put into sleep mode. The computer does not consume any power. Resuming operation takes a little longer than in standby mode.
In standby or energy-saving mode, the computer consumes slightly more power than in sleep mode. However, it wakes up very quickly and is immediately ready for use.
Sleep mode is good for longer breaks, while standby mode is more suitable for short interruptions.
Never activate the screen saver - it consumes unnecessary power.
The city wants to save energy this winter. For example, it will only heat the town hall, municipal buildings and schools to 19 degrees. Citizens can also save gas and electricity.
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The official text is the German version of the website. If you have any questions about the accuracy of the information contained on the translated website, please use the German version of the website.
