How to save on electricity and reduce energy consumption?

With rising energy costs and a growing pressure for ecological responsibility, the topic of energy efficiency in households is more relevant than ever. However, it's not just about choosing an appliance with an A energy rating. In many cases, how we handle these devices on a daily basis is crucial—and this is where people often make mistakes. This article offers a deeper look at the issue and provides concrete steps to significantly reduce energy consumption at home. Modern energy reduction isn't just about investing in top technology; it's often about common sense, approach, habits, and behavior. A sensible combination of all these will lead to lower bills and a better quality of life for everyone. So, let's get to it together.

Black and White Appliances: Different Impact, Similar Mistakes

White appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers) form the long-term basis of household electricity consumption. They are permanently plugged in and often run for several hours a day.

Black appliances (televisions, game consoles, monitors, audio systems) may not consume as much when in operation, but they significantly contribute to so-called “stand-by” consumption. This is often overlooked, and when handled incorrectly, it can swallow dozens of kilowatt-hours annually.

Common mistakes that cost unnecessary money

People often consciously and unconsciously increase their energy consumption in ways that could be easily eliminated. The most common mistakes include:

Inadequate lighting and its overuse

Many households still use inefficient light bulbs or poorly placed LED lighting. At the same time, lights are commonly left on in empty rooms, often due to the absence of motion sensors or smart home systems.

Ignoring daylight

In the Czech and Slovak environment, the use of heavy curtains, drapes, and dark interiors is common. Choosing an apartment or house with a shady northern orientation without access to natural light further reduces the possibility of passive lighting and heating of spaces.

Improper appliance handling

Refrigerators are often set to excessively low temperatures (e.g., 2 °C instead of the recommended 5 °C), washing machines run unnecessarily at 60 °C even for lightly soiled clothes, and dishwashers run half-empty.

Inefficient power distribution and using power strips without switches

Docks and splitters often remain powered even when nothing is connected to them. However, there are power strips on the market with switches that allow you to disconnect unused outlets.

How to adjust operation and save, as advised by ORAVA

Small changes in operation bring surprisingly high long-term savings. Below are recommendations for optimizing the consumption of common household appliances:

Washing Machine: Wash at 30–40 °C if the situation allows. Modern detergents can handle it. Every 10 °C reduction means a saving of approximately 30–40% of energy per cycle.

Dishwasher: Use eco programs, fill it completely, and don't pre-rinse dishes with hot water unnecessarily.

Refrigerator and freezer: A setting of +5 °C in the fridge and -18 °C in the freezer is the ideal balance between savings and safety. Each extra degree increases consumption by up to 6%.

TV, consoles, and audio equipment: Turn them off completely. A typical TV in stand-by mode consumes around 0.5–1 W, which adds up with multiple devices and year-round operation.

Power outlets: Use power strips with a master switch or individual switches—they allow you to quickly disconnect devices without pulling them out of the wall.

When architecture and technology can help

An often overlooked area is the choice of the living space itself. When choosing an apartment, it's good to pay attention to its orientation to the cardinal directions, especially whether it gets enough southern or western light. This can reduce heating and lighting costs in the winter months. A modern household should also include automation—sensors, photocells, or smart plugs. These systems allow for active energy management, even remotely, and eliminate the human factor of forgetting.

How much energy can you actually save?

Approximate annual savings for a typical household with recommended measures:

• Lowering washing temperature: up to 60 kWh annually
• Optimizing fridge and freezer: up to 45 kWh annually
• Turning off stand-by modes: up to 80 kWh annually
• Savings from better lighting and using daylight: up to 100 kWh annually
• Smart plugs and hubs: savings of approximately 30–40 kWh annually