In short
- Paying attention to your gas and electricity use can save you money.
- If you think about the environment, taking good care of the planet is important. Our children and grandchildren will live here in the future.
- You don’t have to change everything. Start with small steps that feel doable.
- Simple measures, like radiator foil or lowering your boiler temperature, can make a difference.
- Need help? Visit the website Find your energy help to get free support in your area.
Saving money on gas and electricity can be easy. Small changes can significantly reduce waste and save you money. The environment matters and we want to keep the planet in good shape for future generations.
You don’t have to change everything in your home. Choose what works for you. Start with easy steps that fit your lifestyle. Which of these 10 tips can you apply?
Tip 1: Turn off unused devices
Are there devices you’re not using? Turn them off. Many appliances use electricity even when you’re not actively using them. Unplug them completely to ensure they’re not consuming energy.
Replace old appliances for free
Do you have an old fridge, freezer, or washing machine? Older appliances use much more energy, making them more expensive in the long run. Buying a new one can be costly, but many municipalities offer a household appliance replacement program for people with a low income. You may be able to replace your old appliance for a new, energy-efficient model at little to no cost. Contact your municipality for more information. You can ask for this at the town hall’s desk.
Tip 2: Lower your heating by a few degrees
Don’t set your heating higher than necessary. When you’re active, 19°C (66°F) is often enough. Lowering the temperature by a few degrees can save up to 7% on your annual energy bill.
If you feel cold, put on a warm sweater. That’s much cheaper than heating your whole house.
Tip 3: Only heat the rooms you use
Do you have rooms you rarely use? There’s no need to heat them! Focus on warming your living room, office, or kitchen. This change alone can save you hundreds of euros per year.
When no one is home, turn the heating down. Not sure where to start? Try lowering the temperature at night. Heating fewer rooms while you sleep can save around €40 per year. You make money while you sleep.
Tip 4: Switch to LED lights
LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 30 to 50 times longer. They also come in warm colors and different brightness levels. Switching to LED lights will lower your electricity bill significantly. You can usually recognize a LED-lamp by the mention “LED” on the packaging or the lamp itself.
Tip 5: Wash clothes at a lower temperature
Washing at lower temperatures saves energy. A 30°C (86°F) wash uses 50% less energy than a 40°C (104°F) wash. Washing at lower temperatures not only saves money but also makes your clothes last longer. A well-maintained washing machine can clean just as effectively at lower temperatures. Only wash when your machine is at least three-quarters full to save even more.
Tip 6: Take shorter showers
Showering uses both water and gas to heat it. The longer you shower, the more you spend. If everyone in your household shortens their shower time by five minutes, you can save hundreds of euros per year.
Example
A household of five people, showering four times a week, can save €300 per year just by reducing shower time by five minutes each!
Bonus tip: Install a water-saving showerhead to reduce waste. It’s good for both your wallet and the environment.
Tip 7: Ventilate your home regularly
Good ventilation helps reduce gas usage. Dry air warms up faster than humid air, especially in winter. Open your windows briefly after sleeping, showering, or drying laundry indoors to prevent excess moisture.
Tip 8: Seal drafts with weather strips
Older homes often have small gaps around windows and doors that let in cold air. Sealing these with weather strips is a quick and affordable way to insulate your home. Tip: install a draft excluder in your letterbox to keep the cold out.
Tip 9: Use radiator foil
Radiators often lose heat through the walls. Radiator foil reflects heat back into the room, making it warm up faster and reducing gas waste.
Curtains: open or closed?
In the evening, it’s smart to close your curtains. This helps keep the cold from coming in through the windows. Long curtains often hang in front of the radiator, preventing heat from spreading properly into the room and causing some of it to be lost. You can solve this by pulling up your curtains when the heating is on.
Tip 10: Set your boiler to 60°C
Check the water temperature setting on your boiler (‘cv-ketel’). It’s often set higher than needed. Lowering it to 60°C (140°F) can save you around €140 per year without affecting performance.
The Dutch website Zet ‘m op 60 offers step-by-step videos on adjusting different boiler models. If you’re unsure, ask a technician for assistance.
Need help?
If you’re struggling with gas and electricity costs, visit Find your energy help. This website offers free local support for homeowners and tenants. You can get advice on saving energy or help with financial difficulties due to high energy bills.