the issue of Appliance consumption, but since the new electricity bill came into effect, even more so.
From now on, something as basic as putting on the washing machine or dishwasher, ironing, or vacuuming, will depend not only on our time, but on a specific schedule to make it cheaper. That's why it's essential to know what appliances consume the most at home, and try, as much as possible, to make a Responsible consumption. And since the price of electricity varies daily and the hours during which those prices apply, you can Consult here.
It's about using them without remorse and not living in fear waiting for the dreaded electricity bill. Make a note!
The fridge
El objetivo se lo lleva la
La mayor parte del consumo es
La mayor parte del consumo se lo lleva la Never. It hardly ever turns off. We open it many times, put hot things in, or don't properly check the seals, nor do we give the back a regular clean (twice a year with a vacuum cleaner). It's very important that it's opened as little as possible and that you never fill it to the brim. Defrost using the top part (this extra cold helps the interior), and choose a good place to put it: not near the oven, nor near a direct light source. Check that air circulates around the appliance and don't push it against the wall. Are you going to buy a new one? The most efficient appliances (previously A+++) are assigned, at most, to the Class B. The colder it is, the more it consumes, the more it costs! The fridge doesn't need to go below 5°C; -18°C for the freezer is fine. And if you're going on holiday, leave it clean and empty, and unplug it (zero cost).
2. The washing machine and the tumble dryer
They are also used practically every day (at least the first one). To avoid using so much, separate clothes by colour, and according to how dirty they are. Opt for Short programs and use cold water Whenever you can. Drying outdoors is the cheapest, but when there's no other option, select the faster spin to the washing machine so it doesn't take so long to dry. Are you going to iron the clothes? Finish the programme early then. As with all appliances, maintenance is basic: clean the fluff from the filter and the condenser, and fill the drum respecting the maximum load.
3. The dishwasher
It's another expense that affects the bill, although it's usually more efficient than washing by hand due to the extra water. To save money, fill it completely, keeping the filters clean. You have toexhibit the rinse aid and the salt, and use ECO programmes (50-55°C) instead of the normal one. The medium load it doesn't save much, it's better to wait until it's full to run it. New models are quite quiet, you might be able to programme them to run in the early hours when electricity is cheaper. And if you put Solar panels At home, and you're going to buy a new one, choose a model with hot water inlet. Every little helps to save!
4. The oven
In summer, it's not used as much, but even so, its consumption It’s quite noticeable in the spending. Preheating isn’t necessary if you’re going to use it for more than an hour. Programme the timer to turn it off 10 minutes before the end of cooking (the residual heat will finish cooking the food). Do not open the door too much, bake several things at once (preferably in small pieces) and do not overuse the grill. Remember to completely defrost food, before putting it in the oven, by transferring it to the fridge.
You can save time if you want by parboiling the food for a few minutes beforehand. Some people do this with vegetables. This way, you reduce cooking time in the oven and also energy consumption. Glass or ceramic containers require less time to heat up.
And the best advice we can give you: if you are thinking of rto remodel the kitchen, Don't put it near the fridge.
5. Television
They say that, after the fridge, it's the appliance that consumes the most. There are homes where it's on all day and part of the night. To top it off, unlike what happens with the fridge or the dishwasher, the energy efficiency It is not a determining factor for almost anyone in their purchase. It's a big mistake! With the arrival of intelligent models, their use has expanded and they are used as a multimedia centre, even to control other household appliances.
What can be done? Firstly, switch it off if it's not in use and use power strips to avoid the dreaded phantom load (also from the microwave, coffee maker, PC…).
And if you're going to invest in a new one, choose a Energy-efficient television to encourage savings on your bill and reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.
6. The ceramic hob
It's not used all day (no more than 4 hours in many homes), but when it is, it consumes, according to experts, twice as much as a fridge or washing machine. Depending on the energy plan that you have plugged in, turning it on at the same time as other appliances can trip the fuses.
Una buena idea es invertir en una buena idea. Induction hob (you save 40% compared to traditional ceramic hobs). And change some habits to save a few more euros: cook during off-peak hours, choose the smallest pot that will serve your purpose, cover the pots, and disconnect the appliance if it's not going to be used for a good while.
7. The microwave
In many homes, it's only used for heating a glass of milk or reheating food, but it's actually much more worthwhile than the oven if we use it for cooking. Does it consume less? No, practically the same (around 900 kWh), but they are capable of cook much faster.
There are thousands of traditional recipes adapted for this appliance, in which, with the right container, you can make «almost» anything. The trick of the glass of water for heating rice or pizza is famous, but there is more. If you buy a microwave, coffee maker, or iron, be very careful not to read the label. These small electrical appliances, can account for up to 27% of a home's total energy expenditure. It is very important that you stop and think before buying and analyse the impact it can have on the Annual energy bill.
And how are you getting on with consumption? Have you made any changes at home or in your lifestyle to reduce spending? Remember that, by switching your light bulbs to LEDs, you can save a considerable amount. Get advice To know which system is better, based on the consumption you have at home.
