Advisor

With a few simple tips and tricks, you can not only do something good for the environment, but also save money every month: In our 10 tips for saving electricity, we share how small changes can add up to big savings.

1. LED and energy-saving bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs

Traditional incandescent bulbs should no longer be used in any household as they are real energy guzzlers. If you want to save electricity, switch to energy-saving bulbs. Or better yet: use LEDs. Although they are slightly more expensive than energy-saving bulbs, they typically last twice as long. They are the most energy-efficient lighting option and save over 80% more energy than incandescent bulbs. Aditionally, LEDs reach full brightness immediately after being turned on, can be dimmed and can easily withstand many switching cycles – all features where energy-saving bulbs fall short.

No matter how energy-efficient your bulbs are: When you leave the room, switch off the light!

2. Unplug instead of stand-by: give your devices a break

Think your TV is off when you hit the red button on the remote? Think again! If there’s still a red light glowing on the device, it is not fully disconnected from the power supply – and continues to consume energy. Devices in stand-by mode account for an average of ten percent of household electricity consumption – which can quickly add up to 100 euros or more per year. To completely shut off the device, disconnect it from the power source: either unplug it or use a power strip with a switch. By the way: Some power strips come with a remote control allowing you to conveniently switch off all your devices in the living room with a single button press from the couch.

Charchers for phones, tablets, and other devices consume electricity even when no device is connected. Therefore, always unplug them when not in use. Additionally, only charge your devices until the battery is full – this not only saves electricity, but also extends the battery’s lifespan.

3.Say Goodbye to energy hogs: get rid of old appliances

Old household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dryers often have poor energy efficiency. If the appliance is ten years old or older, it is worth critically assessing its energy consumption. Even what used to be the top energy efficiency class A now pales in comparison to the current best class A+++. Investing in new appliances can often pay off in the long run though reduced electricity costs.

Old electrical appliances are real energy hogs: for example, a fridge-freezer combo with an A+++ rating uses about 130 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, while a 15-years-old unit  consumes nearly three times as much at 360 kWh!

Be forward-thinking when purchasing new appliances: for example, a smaller refrigerator might suffice, saving you on both purchase and operation costs. Also, consider whether you need all your current appliances: A refrigerator with a freezer compartment might replace a separate freezer and you could potentially do without a dryer altogether (more on this in energy-saving tip 9).

4. Put the lid on: Reduce energy consumption while cooking

As we all know, there is a lid for every pot: you should always use a lid when cooking. This way, less heat escapes from the pot and the contents heat up faster. Place the pot on a burner that is the same size as the pot or smaller. Generally, Induction hobs are more energy-efficient than electric stoves.

Tip for all electric stove users: Heat the boiling water in a kettle – it’s quicker and saves electricity.

There are also helpful energy-saving tips for the oven:

• Shorten the preheating time or skip it altogether.
• Use the convection function instead of top and bottom heat.
• Keep the oven door closed as much as possible during use.
• Use the residual heat of the oven instead of heating fully until the end of the baking time.

5. Smart cooling: Save energy with your refrigerator and freezer

When it comes to cooling devices, proper placement is key: Place your refrigerator and freezer in the coolest possible location. Placing them right next to the oven, stove, or heater generates a lot of heat, which the fridge has to combat. Freezers and refrigerators also need to “cool against” warmth every time you open the door: Minimize the time the door is open. Think about what you need to take out before opening the door. Keep the fridge organized so you can find the items you need quickly. When storing groceries, prepare the chilled goods first, ideally sorted by refrigerator compartments, and then quickly place them in the fridge. Allow leftovers to cool before putting them in the fridge or freezer. By the way, a full fridge cools more efficiently than an empty one.

The ice layer that forms in the freezer compartment significantly increases energy consumption—and thus your electricity costs. Therefore, defrost the appliance regularly—this is also beneficial for kitchen hygiene, as you can clean the interior particularly well after defrosting.

6. Proper Dishwashing: Turn Your Dishwasher into an Energy Saver

A modern dishwasher cleans dishes more efficiently than washing by hand in the sink. However, this only applies if you load the machine fully. Sometimes it’s worth playing a bit of Tetris to fit a few more cups, plates, and pots in the machine.

The energy efficiency rating of your dishwasher applies only to the eco program. Using the quick program, for example, significantly increases energy consumption because the appliance uses most of its energy to heat the water. The eco program runs longer because it heats the water less, allowing the detergent to work longer—the result is the same. Additionally, the eco cycle saves water! It’s worth waiting a bit longer for clean dishes.

7. Smart Washing: Stay Cool When Doing Laundry

Pre-wash and boiling wash cycles at 90 degrees: what was standard for our grandmothers is no longer necessary today. Thanks to modern washing machines and detergents, even heavily soiled laundry becomes hygienically clean at 60 degrees. For most washes, 30 or 40 degrees without pre-washing is completely sufficient—this reduces energy consumption by at least 50 percent compared to a 60-degree wash. This not only protects the environment and your wallet but also your textiles!

To keep the washing machine clean and prevent odors, one 60-degree wash per month is sufficient.

8. Fresh Breeze: Air-Dry Your Laundry

Especially in spring and summer, laundry dries quickly on a clothes rack or line: the dryer can stay off—this saves electricity. Those with a garden or balcony should hang their laundry outside. Many households with only one or two people can do without a dryer altogether. If you opt for a dryer, choose a modern appliance with the highest energy efficiency rating—the differences in energy consumption are substantial!

9. A Few Degrees Less: Lower the Water Temperature

Heating water requires electricity, especially if it’s done by a water heater. Therefore, there is potential to save energy here too: when washing your hands thoroughly with soap, cold water is sufficient. Also, reduce the water temperature when showering—it’s better for your skin!
If you want to mop the floor, fill the bucket with cold water: with a splash of cleaner, the result will be shiny because many cleaning agents are designed for cold water and lose their effectiveness in hot water. However, dish soap is an exception: its grease-cutting power is only activated in hot water. If you use natural cleaners like lemon, vinegar, or soap, hot water is the better choice.

10. Laptop Instead of PC: Work and Surf more energy-efficiently

Do you work at home on a desktop PC or laptop? Because laptops are designed for long battery life, they consume significantly less energy. Tablets and smartphones are even more energy-efficient. So, if you use a laptop or mobile device, you can answer your emails comfortably from the couch, save electricity and money, and protect the environment.

A pleasant and healthy indoor climate is crucial for our well-being.  Achieving the right balance between heating and ventilation plays a central role. Here you will learn how to prevent mold, achieve the correct balance of room temperature and humidity, and thereby create an ideal living environment.

Preventing mould Formation and Creating a Healthy Indoor Environment

Mold not only detracts from aesthetics but can also cause health issues. To prevent mold formation, it is crucial to maintain low indoor humidity.

Here are some tips:

• Regular ventilation: To remove excess moisture from your rooms, ventilate regularly. Instead of leaving windows slightly open all the time, ventilate briefly several times a day, even during winter. This helps exchange air without losing too much heat. Opening windows or doors opposite each other creates an efficient air flow that ensures rapid ventilation. Consider times when the air is fresher, like mornings and evenings, for ventilation.
• Avoid excessive heating: A significant temperature difference between indoor and outdoor envirinments can lead to condensation issues. Maintain a consistent room temperature at a comfortable moderate level.
• Heat less-used rooms: Avoid letting rooms in your home cool down completely. Even lightly heating less-used rooms helps prevent issues. Temperature variations exceeding 5 °C between rooms within the appartment can quickly lead to mold problems, for instance when warm, moist air from one living space moves into cooler rooms and condenses on the walls there.

The relationship between room temperature and humidity

Finding the right balance is crucial for a comfortable indoor climate:

• Optimal room temperature: The ideal room temperature typicly ranges between 18°C and 22°C.
  This can vary based on personal preference, but try not to overheat to save energy.
• Monitor humidity levels: A relative humidity of 40% to 60% is ideal indoors.
  Inexpensive humidity monitors can help you maintain the proper level. In a well-insulated building, a humidity level of 60% indoors might not pose problems for a while, but in a building with poor insulation, 40% on cold days might be too much at heat bridges and in room corners. If the humidity level stays above 50% for an extended period, ventilation is needed – but at the latest when the window panes mist up from the inside!

Conclusion:

A healthy indoor climate, mold prevention and maintaining the right balance of room temperature and humidity are crucial for your well-being within your own four walls. By following these tips, you can not only save energy, but also ensure that your home remains a comfortable and enjoyable place to live.

Here we inform our tenants about the house rules and compliance with quiet hours. We also provide guidelines on appropriate noise levels and balcony etiquette, avoiding disruptive activities, such as securing flower pots.

Here we offer assistance in choosing providers for television, telephone and internet services, as well as guidance on deciding between bundled packages or individual subscriptions. Aditionally, we offer tips on verifying existing reception options, selecting contracts and the possibility of receiving impartial advice.

This infosheet provides important information on general safety in the apartment, including emergency numbers, the use of smoke detectors and the handling of open flames.

Here you will be informed about your obligations to report any damage and receive guidance on which repairs you can carry out yourself and when professional assistance from specialized companies is necessary and required.

Learn all about the common waste separation in Germany and get guidance on how to correctly dispose of various types of waste . Discover how to save on waste disposal costs and learn about the available waste containers.

Find practical tips and advice for everyday life in your home, including the proper cleaning and maintenance of rooms, preventing mold formation and the use of built-in kitchens and other furniture.

Here you will find guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of shared areas such as stairwells, drying rooms and bicycle storage facilities. Learn how to adhere to fire safety regulations and store items properly.

Get valuable information on handling electricity, gas and water correctly.
Learn how to register your utility connections, monitor your consumption and implement energy-saving tips.

Learn when and why you should contact your landlord directly, especially in cases of damage or issues in the apartment that require immediate attention.