Saving electricity at home: 12 simple tips for families

In families especially, a lot is running: washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, the kids' devices. Electricity is therefore a major variable cost – and one you can cut with little effort. Here are 12 everyday-friendly tips.

In everyday life

• Avoid standby: switch devices off completely – switchable power strips help.
• Light: LED instead of old bulbs – they use a fraction and last long.
• Lid on the pot when cooking – saves noticeable energy.
• Kettle instead of the stove for hot water.

Washing & drying

• Lower temperatures: much gets clean at 30 °C – saving most of the washing energy.
• Full machine instead of half a load.
• Air-dry instead of the dryer whenever possible – the dryer is a real power guzzler.

Cooling & appliances

• Fridge at 7 °C, freezer at −18 °C – colder only costs unnecessary electricity.
• Defrost regularly – ice increases consumption.
• Use eco programmes on dishwasher and washing machine.
• Check old power guzzlers: a 15-year-old fridge can cost more than a new one saves.

The biggest lever: check your tariff

The most effective step takes only a few minutes: compare your electricity tariff. Those who never switched often pay in the expensive basic supply. Switching to a cheaper provider often saves more than all saving tips combined – and it's straightforward.

Conclusion

Even a few of these tips noticeably cut consumption. Combine small everyday habits with the big lever of switching tariffs – and the next electricity bill is much lower. General orientation, not individual advice.