Electricity and heating costs are a considerable financial burden for many households. The uncertainties on the energy markets and the tight supply situation for natural gas in particular have contributed to high energy price increases. To save some money, you should regularly check whether your increased costs are due to rising energy prices or higher consumption. You can determine the consumption of your appliances with the help of so-called electricity meters.
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Energy and power saving tips
Should I replace old appliances with new energy-efficient appliances?
Large household appliances often have a long service life. Nevertheless, the question arises as to whether, for example, an old but functioning washing machine should be replaced with a new, more energy-efficient model. You should not only consider the savings in electricity and water costs, but also the energy consumption and the environmental impact of manufacturing the new appliance and disposing of the old one. Consider whether investing in a new appliance or keeping the old one with higher energy costs makes more sense for you.
According to a study by the German Öko-Institut, it often makes sense to use the following devices for as long as possible for ecological and economic reasons:
- Consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, screens, printers)
- Washing machines and tumble dryers with heat pumps
- Refrigerators (with energy labels A+++ and A++)
- Dishwashers (with energy labels A+++, A++ and A+)
- Vacuum cleaners (with older energy labels A+++ to B)
For these appliances, it may be worthwhile replacing them early with a new appliance with the highest energy efficiency class if user behavior is comparable:
- Tumble dryers without a heat pump
- Dishwashers (with energy labels B to D)
- Refrigerators (with energy labels B to D)
Saving energy through your own usage behavior
Regardless of whether you continue to use your old appliance or decide to buy a new one: You can save a lot of money through your own usage behavior. To save electricity, you should be aware of how you use your electrical appliances. Your usage behavior has a significant impact on energy consumption.
What you should look out for when buying a new one
When buying new electrical appliances, you should pay attention to energy efficiency and durability. The EU energy label provides information on power consumption and other important purchase criteria such as noise level. The scale ranges from A (low consumption) to G (high consumption). By 2030, all product groups are to receive a standardized EU label with a rating from A-G. When buying, make sure that the energy consumption is in the green zone. The further forward in the alphabet and the "greener" an appliance is rated, the more efficient it is.
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VDE Verband der Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik e.V. and its affiliated companies (hereinafter each “VDE”) provide non-binding information on consumer protection topics. These publications are intended solely to raise general awareness of consumer protection in relation to electrotechnical products and issues. They expressly do not constitute professional or technical advice. The information is provided the best of one's knowledge and belief without having evaluated the actual conditions at a specific location or of a specific product.
While VDE makes every reasonable effort to ensure that the information is correct and complete, it cannot assume liability nor any warranty (neither explicitly nor implicitly) for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the content of the information provided.
The information may only be applied with the understanding that VDE cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage or loss of any kind. The use of the information provided does not release the user from the responsibility for his/her own actions and is therefore at his/her own risk.
Product-/Model-specific manufacturer specifications must be observed.
