Saving energy at home? 5 smart habits to save up to €150 per year

🌿 Small Adjustments, a Lower Bill Energy prices remain a significant topic of conversation for many families in Belgium and the Netherlands. Not because we consciously think about it every day, but because it consistently appears on our bills and at our kitchen tables. We all want the same thing: to save where we can, without compromising on comfort or a clean home. The good news? It's often simpler than you think.

🧼 1. Why washing at 20°C (or even 15°C) makes such a difference

One of the biggest "hidden energy guzzlers" in the home is the washing machine. Did you know that up to 90% of a wash cycle's energy consumption goes towards heating cold water to 40°C or 60°C?

The simple change that pays off: By simply lowering the temperature to 20°C, you use significantly less energy, and your clothes also stay looking good for longer. For an average household, savings can amount to €60 to €150 per year, depending on your usage and tariffs.

But will the laundry really get clean? Modern detergents contain enzymes that effectively break down dirt, even at low temperatures. For daily laundry — clothes, towels, and light soiling — 20°C is more than sufficient in most cases.

💡 The power of laundry strips: Especially for cold water

The switch to colder washing only became truly easy for us with effinovo's laundry strips. These are specially designed to dissolve instantly in cold water (from 15°C).

👉 Also read: Why more and more families are switching to laundry strips

• No hassle: No heavy plastic bottles or messy dosing.
• Effective: Powerful cleaning without soap residue on your clothes.
• Sustainable: 100% plastic-free and biodegradable.

🐑 2. The dryer: The "Turbo button" for your laundry

After the washing machine, the dryer is often the biggest energy consumer. A surprisingly effective solution is wool dryer balls. These separate your clothes during drying, allowing the warm air to circulate much better.

The result? 👉 Up to a 25% shorter drying time. 👉 Less energy consumption and often fewer wrinkles (meaning less ironing!).

👉 Discover our Wool Dryer Balls here

🔌 3. Stop phantom load: The "off-is-off" rule

Many appliances consume power even when they are on standby or when only a charger is plugged into the socket.

• The habit: Unplug chargers from the socket and use a power strip with an on/off switch for your TV and computer.

• The result: An average household saves about €30 to €50 per year this way.

🥘 4. Cook smart: The lid effect

Cooking is a daily activity where a lot of heat unnecessarily escapes.

• The habit: Always put a lid on the pan and only use the kettle for the exact amount of water you need.

• The result: Cooking with a lid saves up to 3 times more energy than cooking without a lid.

🧊 5. Check your fridge and freezer

These appliances are on 24/7. A small deviation can have major consequences for your bill.

• The habit: Set your fridge to 4°C to 7°C and make sure the back is dust-free for better heat dissipation. Also check if the door seals close properly.

• The result: Each degree lower consumes approximately 5% more power. A well-maintained fridge works more efficiently and lasts longer.

🔍  Frequently asked questions about saving energy

How can you save €150 per year on your energy bill?

You can save up to €150 per year by combining these 5 habits:

• Wash at 20°C: Save up to €60/year.
• Use dryer balls: Shorten drying time by 25%.
• Stop phantom load: Save up to €45/year.
• Cook with a lid: Use 3x less energy.
• Optimize your fridge: Prevent unnecessary consumption.

Will laundry get clean at 20 degrees?

Yes, for 95% of daily laundry, 20°C is sufficient. Use a powerful agent like laundry strips which are specially designed for cold water to effectively remove all bacteria and odors.

🚀 Start saving today

Saving energy doesn't have to be complicated. By consciously choosing cold washing and smart aids, you contribute to a better environment and a lower bill.

👉 View our Energy-Saving Bundle (Laundry Strips + Dryer Balls) and start immediately!

Disclaimer

The mentioned savings are based on average energy tariffs in Belgium and standard consumption figures for modern washing machines (EU energy label A/B). Actual savings may vary depending on your specific energy tariff, appliance type, and load.

Did you find these tips useful? Share this blog with a friend and help each other lower their energy bills! 💚