High electricity consumption not only impacts your finances but also the environment. To save energy, there are fairly simple actions such as regularly turning off the lights or carrying out energy transition work. But did you know that there are other tricks to reduce your bill?
Energy savings: sponsorship offers
You may not know it, but energy suppliers (gas and electricity) also offer sponsorship offers to their customers. These sponsorship offers aim to reduce energy bills for the consumer. The formula is the same for everyone. You refer a relative via a promo code. This code is offered by the company that supplies you with electricity or gas. The use of this code allows both the sponsor and the godchild to benefit from a discount on their next invoice. The discount is often around €20 or €25.
You can find a sponsor to have a promo at Happe for example, if you cannot find one in your entourage. Linking platforms allow you to be sponsored in order to benefit from the advantages of this type of solution. Similarly, you too can sponsor an offer and share a promo code link, to also benefit from a reduction.
Reduce water heating
Water heating is an important cost item of your total energy consumption. You can reduce this expense by investing in an energy-efficient water heater. Apart from this option, there are three other ways to reduce your water heating expenses: either you use less hot water for your needs, or you lower the temperature of the water heater or you isolate the heating device to reduce energy losses.
Opt for less energy-consuming appliances
On average, household appliances are responsible for about 20% of total household energy consumption. When buying a new appliance, you need to pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the running cost.
Although energy-efficient appliances may have a higher initial purchase price, their operating cost is often 10-30% lower than traditional models.
When buying an energy-efficient appliance, check its energy label. It is a European standard that ensures that the device consumes less energy in operation and standby.
Energy savings vary by device. For example, washing machines with a Class A label use 25% less energy and 45% less water than conventional models, while Class A refrigerators use an average of only 10% energy less.
Install windows that are energy efficient
Openings are a major source of energy waste. Depending on the season, windows alone can represent up to 10 or 25% of your energy bill. If you want to prevent heat loss through your windows, it is possible to replace the windows. Go from single glazing to double glazing (although few houses today still have single glazing).
For homes in the north, gas-filled double-glazed windows can significantly reduce your heating costs. You can also choose to install interior or exterior storm windows. This can help reduce unnecessary heat loss by 8-25%. You should consider installing these types of windows if your area frequently experiences large temperature swings.
Use smart power strips
“Phantom loads” correspond to the electrical energy consumed by certain electronic devices left on standby. This phenomenon is at the origin of a significant part of the energy expenditure of a household. It is estimated that ¾ of the energy used to operate electronic devices in the home is consumed when they are turned off. In the long run, this can represent several hundred euros at the end of the year.
Smart power strips solve the problem of phantom loads. They cut power to electronic devices when they are on standby. These devices are available in supermarkets or on e-commerce sites. They can be set to turn off at a specific time, after a period of inactivity, or via switches.
If you plan to replace your water heater with a more efficient model, you must take into account two factors: the type of fuel that the water heater will use and the presence or absence of a tank. For example, water heaters that do not have a tank are more energy efficient. However, they are not suitable for homes where there are several showers. Indeed, this type of water heater is unable to manage multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water.
