Saving electricity at home: the most effective levers (2026)

Hidden power guzzlers, standby, electric heating and the biggest consumers — cut your usage for good before you even switch tariffs.

VertragSpar EditorialPublished on 6 June 202610 min

First cut usage, then the tariff

A cheap tariff saves money per kilowatt-hour — but every kWh you never use is saved twice over. Combining both gets you the maximum.

The first step is to know where your power goes. In most households the largest shares fall on a few areas: electric heating and hot water, cooling and freezing, washing and drying, and consumer electronics.

Once you know these big blocks, you can target them rather than getting lost in trivia.

Tackle the biggest consumers first

Electric water heating (e.g. via an instant heater or boiler) is among the most expensive items. Shorter showers and a water-saving showerhead make a noticeable difference here.

Fridges and freezers run around the clock. An old unit can use a multiple of a modern one — replacing it often pays off within a few years.

For washing and drying, lower temperatures and air drying instead of the dryer save a lot of energy. Full loads instead of half ones cut usage further.

Standby and hidden power guzzlers

Devices on standby use power around the clock without being used. Routers, TVs, consoles, chargers and coffee machines add up over the year to a surprisingly large item.

A switchable power strip for the entertainment corner cuts several devices fully from the grid with one click. It is one of the simplest measures with a lasting effect.

Also watch for devices running unnoticed: an old second fridge in the basement, a circulation pump or constantly active outdoor lighting.

Light, small appliances and habits

LED bulbs use a fraction of old incandescent or halogen lamps and last much longer. Replacing them is cheap and pays off quickly.

When cooking, a lid on the pot, the right hob size and the kettle instead of the stove for hot water save energy. Small habits repeated daily add up.

Use the eco programmes on the dishwasher and washing machine. They take longer but need less energy because they heat the water less.

Measure usage and combine with switching

A simple plug-in power meter shows you which device really draws a lot. That way you find the real guzzlers instead of guessing.

Keep an eye on your annual usage. If it drops thanks to your measures, adjust the figure at your next comparison — lower usage also changes which tariff is cheapest for you.

The combination is the strongest lever: use less and choose a cheap tariff at the same time. That cuts your electricity costs from two sides at once.

Practical tips

Tackle the big consumers first: hot water, cooling, washing, drying.
Cut standby devices from the grid with a switchable power strip.
Replace old bulbs with LEDs and old fridges with efficient ones.
Use eco programmes and wash at lower temperatures.
Measure with a plug-in meter which device really draws a lot.

Common mistakes to avoid

Focusing on trivia while ignoring the biggest consumers.
Leaving devices permanently on standby.
Running an old, inefficient second fridge in the basement.
Using the dryer when air drying would be possible.
Not updating the reduced usage at the next tariff comparison.

Checklist before you compare

Identified the biggest consumers in the household.
Cut standby devices with a switchable strip.
Replaced old bulbs with LEDs.
Used eco programmes and low wash temperatures.
Checked usage with a meter.
Noted current annual usage for the tariff comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Is saving electricity worth it if I already have a cheap tariff?

Yes. Every kWh not used saves regardless of the tariff. Cutting usage and a cheap tariff work strongest together.

What are the biggest power consumers at home?

Usually electric hot water and heating, fridges and freezers, and washing and drying. That is where the biggest lever is.

How much does standby really draw?

Little individually, but a noticeable item across many devices and the whole year. A switchable strip helps.

Is a new fridge worth it?

For very old units often yes, as modern ones use much less. The saving can offset the purchase over the years.

How do I find hidden power guzzlers?

With a simple plug-in meter you measure individual devices’ usage and identify the real culprits.

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