If you have an electric stovetop, you can turn off the heat early and let the residual heat finish cooking for you. Photos: Christin Klose/dpa
Energy bills are rising and concerns about gas supplies are growing in many parts of the world. Here are a few ways consumers can save power, especially in the warmer months:
Tip 1: Change the setting on your water heater
The fastest and easiest way to use less energy is to shower a little cooler during hot days. Not everyone feels like a cold shower early in the day but you can save energy if you turn down the temperature on your water heater to 60°C.
This can cut your annual energy costs by around 10%, according to co2online, a consultancy, based on annual average values in Germany. As prices rise, you are likely to save even more, as their calculations are based on 2021 prices.
You might think that sounds unpleasant but 60°C is the minimum temperature setting and you wouldn't want it to be lower, to prevent the growth of legionella bacteria.
Usually, however, a pleasantly warm shower or bath is around 40°C. If you aren't afraid of cold water, you can also save by washing your hands in cold water.
Shower a little cooler in hot weather - saving energy can be that simple.
Tip 2: Run the water for less time
Another way to save is to take shorter showers, or turn the tap off while you are using the soap, both to speed up the process and use less water.
You can also turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and just use it to rinse off your toothbrush.
A further tip on showering: Opt for a shower rather than a bath in the hot season.
Try to completely turn off electrical appliances and not just leave them in standby mode. A power strip with an extra off switch can be helpful here. Photo: Andrea Warnecke/dpa
Tip 3: Switch off heat sources in the living room
This is a great way to kill two birds with one stone: save energy and prevent your living rooms from getting uncomfortably warm through the heat of electrical appliances.
Turn all your appliances off, such as televisions, computers and lamps if you aren't using them – that means switch them off standby mode, too.
Leaving your appliances constantly on standby mode, year round, after using them can cost up to €115 (RM530) more per year, co2online says.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, try and use residual heat when you're cooking or baking. You can switch off the cooker a bit sooner, and let the dish keep cooking in the residual heat, a great money-saver especially with older electric hotplates that may be slower to respond.
With ovens, even more is possible as you often don't need to preheat your oven, despite recipes often calling for this step. Just pop your casserole or cake straight in, and bake them slightly longer. – dpa
