Even if we weren't stuck in the middle of a gas and oil crisis: In summer you can always save a little more energy than in the colder seasons. Here are the tips.
Concerns about energy costs and the supply of gas are not coming to an end for the time being. Consumers can respond and save energy. Some of these tips are worthwhile, especially in summer:
Tip 1: Change the basic hot water setting
The obvious energy-saving tip is: Especially on hot summer days, just don't take a shower that hot. Even if the cool water in the morning is not for everyone, you can save: If you reduce the basic temperature of your hot water, which is controlled by an electronic instantaneous water heater or under-the-counter storage tank, to 60 degrees, you will spend around ten percent less on energy costs per year. This was calculated by the non-profit consulting company co2online - based on the annual average values of the Federal Association of Energy and Water Management (BDEW) for 2021. That was 32.16 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh). With the currently rising prices, the savings are likely to be even higher.
What initially sounds like a loss of comfort is usually not at all. Because the 60 degrees refer to the preset maximum temperature. It shouldn't be less, because at these temperatures harmful bacteria, legionella, die off. The actual bath and shower water, which we perceive as pleasantly warm to hot, is around body temperature, up to a maximum of 40 degrees.
By the way, if you can do without turning it up: homeowners with a gas heater can spend 35 euros less on energy and 85 euros less with electric heating if they wash their hands with cold water (in a three-person household for five times a day wash your hands with two liters of water each day).
Tip 2: Let the water run for a shorter time
Speaking of showers: it is worth reducing the time the taps are open. For example, turn off the water when soaping up and just wash faster anyway. Also turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and only turn it on for rinsing.
And another summer tip: take a shower instead of a bath. That alone lets tenants spend around 70 euros less a year and homeowners 110 euros less.
Tip 3: Set the heating to summer mode
In order to save energy, you should not let the heating run all year round, but switch to summer mode. This switches off the heating circuits and only provides warm water. "Older boilers have to be converted manually, newer ones do it automatically," says Martin Brandis from the energy team at the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations.
Tip 4: Switch off heat sources in the living room
With this tip, you kill two birds with one stone on hot summer days: You save energy and prevent the living space from heating up from the heat of the electrical appliances. Therefore, a basic heat tip is: switch off all devices such as televisions, computers and also every lamp that you are not currently using. And that's right, so also end the stand-by mode. On the other hand, if devices are left in this sleep mode all year round after they have been used, this can result in additional costs of up to 115 euros per year, according to co2online.
Another idea: using residual heat when cooking and baking. Because dishes are also ready if you switch off the stove and oven earlier and use their residual heat. This saves money, especially with older and sluggish electric hotplates, according to co2online electricity for up to 20 euros a year.
You can go even further with the oven: Very few dishes need an oven that has already been preheated. Casseroles, pizza and cakes can go straight in, only the cooking and baking times are a little longer.
