Standby power alone accounts for around 14% of household energy use. The actions below don't require any investment — just small habit changes that compound over time.
Electricity
- Unplug appliances when not in use — standby mode draws up to 14% of your electricity
- Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs: 25–80% less energy than traditional bulbs
- Turn off computers when you finish work — not sleep mode. Up to €100/year savings
- Unplug phone chargers when not charging — each one emits roughly 7kg of CO₂ per year if left plugged in
- Use the stairs instead of the lift where possible
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine on full loads only
Heating and water
- Lower your thermostat by 0.5°C — that's a 3% reduction in heating energy
- Close doors of unused rooms to avoid heating empty space
- Dress warmer indoors before turning up the heat
- Limit showers to 5 minutes
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
- Clean or change heating filters regularly — blocked filters work harder
Kitchen
- Keep refrigerator coils clean — dirty coils can increase consumption by 30%
- Cover pots while cooking: reduces energy use by 25%
- Use a microwave over an oven where possible — up to 10x less energy
- Wash clothes at 30°C or below — reduces electricity use by 40% compared to 60°C
- Run laundry during off-peak hours if your provider offers time-of-use pricing
Natural light
- Clean windows regularly — grime reduces natural light significantly
- Don't block windows with furniture — every metre of natural light reduces artificial lighting needs
- Dry your hair partially before using a hairdryer — the heat phase uses the most energy
The compounding effect
None of these changes is dramatic individually. Applied consistently, they can reduce a household's energy consumption by 20–30% — meaningful for both your bills and your environmental footprint.
