Energy saving tips

Ensuring the right kind of ventilation is crucial when it comes to heating buildings. Modern new buildings almost always require a permanent change of air, necessitating the use of monitored ventilation systems. However, these systems can also provide the necessary fresh air and ensure energy-efficient use of heaters even in old buildings. If a ventilation system is not available, then shock ventilation should ensure the necessary change of air mass – with the heater valves remaining closed during this process where possible.

A window that is permanently tilted will also permanently allow heat to escape, which costs money. This type of ventilation also leads to cooling of the walls, especially the lintel and the jambs, meaning that condensation and mould may form.

Cabinets, shelf units and other items of furniture impair the circulation of air in the room. If they are positioned too close to or in direct contact with the walls, this provides another opportunity for humidity to condense. Maintaining a clearance of 4 to 6 cm between the furniture and the wall should be sufficient to prevent this from occurring.

Where possible, do not position your refrigerator next to a stove or a heater. If the refrigerator is located next to these heat sources, there may be a slight increase in power consumption as this positioning might potentially hinder the removal of heat from the interior of the refrigerator. 

Large amounts of water vapour may also cause problems due to condensation. It is therefore necessary to ensure that rooms are ventilated as well as possible after showering, bathing or cooking.

Layers of ice in your freezer that are thicker than 5 mm increase power consumption by up to 30%. Regular defrosting therefore helps you save money.

You can save money by ensuring that your heating configuration is correct and as precise as possible. Cutting-edge control systems, such as those featuring a room remote controller, provide tangible benefits. It is therefore worth taking the time to consider this topic when purchasing a new heater or upgrading an existing heating system.

Even a minor lowering of the room temperature can contribute to significant savings on heating costs, with each degree saving around 6% of energy. We recommend a temperature of 20°C in the living room, whereas 18°C in the bedroom helps promote healthy sleep.

It should be ensured that all electrical devices feature the best possible energy grade. This not only applies to refrigerators and washing machines, but also to circulating pumps in the heating system. The Ecodesign Directive has regulated the classification of energy generators in the respective energy grades since 2015.

Doors to rooms that are heated at a lower level must be kept closed. If the doors remain open, the heated air is able to flow into the other rooms. The warm air also introduces humidity into the cooler rooms, which subsequently condenses on cold walls and windows.

Ensuring the correct configuration of the heating curve provides the basis for energy-saving heating of the rooms. It is necessary to prevent overheating and overcooling – and the flatter the configuration of the curve, the lower the amount of energy required by the system.

Lowered external roller shutters and drawn curtains help provide additional energy savings.

When you leave the house or go to bed, the heating system should enter lowering mode – meaning that the room temperature should be lower than when you are present at home. However, the heating must never be fully switched off. The rooms must never be allowed to fully cool down, as re-heating consumes far more energy than heating the rooms in lowering mode.

When replacing external doors or windows, it is essential to ensure correct installation according to the German Energy Saving Ordinance (EnEV) and DIN 18355. Installation that enables vapour diffusion ensures a sealed fit while protecting against structural damage.

Fully switch off all devices that do not need to be supplied with electricity at all times and disconnect them from the mains. Depending on the technical equipment in the respective household, this can save between 30 and 90 euros a year on average.

Light bulbs are out, with energy-saving lamps and even LED lighting delivering considerable savings in terms of electricity costs.