How to Save Electricity at Home: 10 Simple Tips

Homes today use far more electrical appliances than in the past, but new technology has also made appliances more efficient and better for the environment. Electricity and heat production is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, so it makes sense to start by cutting your own electricity use. Power stations adjust their output to demand. When we use less electricity, less fossil fuel is burned and fewer greenhouse gas emissions are released into the atmosphere. Here are 10 simple tips on how to save electricity at home. They will help the environment and your household budget.

1. Lighting: replace any remaining incandescent or halogen bulbs with LEDs. LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and you can still choose the same light colour and brightness that you are used to.

2. Cook on an induction hob instead of a radiant ceramic hob. Induction hobs are about 5–10% more efficient than ceramic and other conventional electric hobs.

3. Choose energy-efficient models of appliances that run all day (the fridge), most of the day (the TV or computer) or for a shorter time but with high electricity use (the washing machine). Since 2021, the EU energy label for fridges, washing machines and TVs has used a simpler scale from A (most efficient) to G instead of A+++ to D. When you compare models, look at the energy class and the energy consumption shown on the label, not just the price.

4. Switch off the TV and other appliances when you are not using them. Avoid leaving them on standby.

5. If you build your own computer, choose energy-efficient components. Operating systems and programs also let you manage your computer’s electricity use, for example with power-saving modes, sleep mode and turning off the screen automatically when you are away.

6. Where possible, avoid direct electric heating, such as electric radiators and fan heaters. If you want to heat your home with electricity, choose a heat pump. According to the International Energy Agency, heat pumps are far more efficient than conventional heating systems such as gas boilers or electric heaters.

7. Keep electrical appliances free of dust. This includes the back of the fridge and freezer, where air needs to circulate freely around the condenser coils so that heat can escape.

8. Open the fridge and freezer less often; this saves a little electricity too. Decide what you want to take out before you open the door.

9. If your fridge and freezer do not defrost automatically, defrost them regularly and do not let ice build up inside. A thick layer of ice makes them use more electricity.

10. When the air conditioning is on, always keep the windows closed.

We hope these energy-saving tips show you how to save electricity at home and help you lower your electricity use.

Sources: Our World in Data, US Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR, European Commission, International Energy Agency (IEA), Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong