In times of high energy prices, myths and half-truths surrounding the topic of electricity consumption are popular. The consumer advice center's energy advice classifies widespread beliefs correctly.
Myth or reality? Do combination devices save energy?
Combinations of washing machine and dryer usually impress with their space savings: one device contains the functions of two devices. Nevertheless, washer-dryers tend to be space-saving power guzzlers. Many of these combination devices use more electricity and water than washing machines and dryers separately. While newer tumble dryers usually rely on more economical heat pump technology, combination devices often have special condenser dryers installed that not only use more electricity, but also additional water to cool the water vapor.
Good to know: Despite heat pump technology, tumble dryers are one of the biggest energy guzzlers in the home. Modern devices also consume up to 250 kilowatt hours per year, which can cost more than 100 euros per year.
The ease of housework is also less than expected, as combination appliances can often only dry half of the load in one go. The second half must be removed beforehand and dried either in a second pass or in another location. The least amount of energy is needed when the laundry dries on a drying rack or clothesline.
Carina Vogel, energy expert at the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center
“Washer dryers are only recommended in households that have neither space for a clothes horse nor a separate dryer.”
Does laundry have to be washed at 60 degrees?
In addition, the lower the washing temperature, the less electricity is used. For normally soiled laundry, temperatures of 30 to 40 degrees Celsius are sufficient. Slightly soiled colored laundry often gets clean in the 20 degree program. 60 degree or even 90 degree programs are only necessary in rare exceptional cases, for example to clean the laundry of sick people.
“Around five percent of household electricity consumption goes to washing laundry. This means that for a three-person household with an electricity consumption of 3,800 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, 190 kWh of electricity is required annually to do laundry.”
Carina Vogel, energy expert at the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center
The utilization of the washing machine also has a major influence. The aim is to fully utilize the capacity of the drum and only switch it on when it is fully loaded. Machines that are half full use unnecessary amounts of detergent, electricity and water. The automatic loading system doesn't help here either, as it only adjusts the water consumption to the amount of laundry and still results in relatively high water consumption.
It is therefore recommended to choose the size of the washing machine based on the number of people living in the household. In most households with two or three people, a size of six kilograms is sufficient. A rule of thumb recommends two kilograms per person.
The choice of washing program also influences consumption. Energy saving programs, also known as eco programs, save energy and water, even if they last longer.
Last but not least: switch off! Modern washing machines use electricity even when they are not washing. To switch off the washing machine's standby mode, use a switchable socket.
Does a full fridge save energy?
Cooling and freezing require up to 20 percent of the household's electricity needs. However, the contents have only a small influence on the energy consumption of a refrigerator. The size and energy efficiency of the model are more important. The most economical new models have efficiency class A. They use less electricity than older cabinets or those with poor efficiency classes. Because refrigerators are used for a long time, it makes sense to choose efficiency class C or better when purchasing new ones, even if the price is higher.
In some cases, replacing an old power guzzler early with an economical model is even economically interesting because of the lower electricity costs. Single or two-person households usually get by with a usable capacity of 100 to 150 liters. If there are more people in the household, an additional 50 liters per person can be expected.
“The popular double-door fridge-freezer combinations are usually much too big. They can develop an unbridled hunger for energy because they often have a capacity of over 600 liters.”
Carina Vogel, energy expert at the Schleswig-Holstein Consumer Center
In addition to size and model, the location where the refrigerator is located also influences energy consumption. Particularly warm places near a heater, stove or with direct sunlight should be avoided.
Your own behavior also influences your electricity consumption
Good to know: The annual electricity consumption of refrigerators and freezers varies enormously. The power consumption of a new refrigerator should be less than 100 kilowatt hours (kWh). Even with highly efficient fridge-freezer combinations, consumption is only slightly higher. Older cooling devices, on the other hand, often require more than 300 kWh. The double-door variants, which are usually much too large and can consume up to 500 kWh, prove to be real energy guzzlers.
More information is available at www.verbraucherzentrale.sh/energieberatung or 0800 – 809 802 400 (free nationwide) and 0431 – 590 99 40.
Source:
Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center
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