What is energy efficiency, simply explained? If you're looking for an answer to this question, you've come to the right place. Energy efficiency is the key to a sustainable future. It allows us to reduce our energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. It helps to reduce electricity costs, conserve natural resources and promote climate protection at the same time.
In this article, you will find out what energy efficiency actually means and why it is more important today than ever. You will also find out how you can save energy in your everyday life - and especially in your home. Let's go!
Definition: What exactly is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency is understood to mean the Ratio of the energy used to the benefit achieved. The aim is to achieve a certain yield with as little energy as possible.
Modern household appliances are a good example of this: an energy-efficient class A refrigerator requires around 50 percent less power than an older model1 - and still fulfills the same function.
Particularly important - and therefore frequently discussed in public - is Energy efficiency in buildings. The aim here is to minimize heat loss and use energy in a targeted manner.
Appropriate example: Insufficient insulation, especially in the roof or loft, can result in up to 30 percent of a home's heating energy being lost.2 Measures such as insulating the loft are ultimately not only easy to implement, but also extremely effective. You can find out more in this Guide to loft insulation.
Background: Why is energy efficiency so important?
You should definitely internalize why energy efficiency is or should be a high priority for all of us - and why we use electricity from the socket more consciously must.
Here I will introduce you to some of the main advantages and motives for energy-efficient action:
- Lower energy costs: Efficient appliances and optimized building technology can save an average household Save several hundred euros in the long term.
- Climate protection: Less energy consumption means lower CO2 emissions. The EU strives for climate neutrality by 2050 energy efficiency plays a decisive role here.
- Resource conservation: Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are limited. The energy efficiency factor helps to use these valuable resources more responsibly and to master the transition to more sustainable energy sources.
- Greater living comfort: A well-insulated home is not only energy-efficient, but also more comfortable. This keeps the room temperature warm in winter and cool in summer.
The EU energy label: your purchasing assistant
If you are looking for energy-efficient appliancesthe EU energy label is an important point of reference to help you choose the right Power Saving easier.
Since the 2021 update, the Classes from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient) more clearly defined. They show you at a glance how much energy an appliance (or building) consumes on average. It is particularly worth taking a look at the energy efficiency class for appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators or lighting.
Ultimately, you can use the label to energy-saving products and also focus specifically on devices that offer Long service life and are therefore more sustainable.
Tips: How can you improve energy efficiency in everyday life?
With the help of energy efficiency, we can save money and protect the environment. But what does this look like in practice? What can we do specifically to optimize them?
I have already given you some tips (loft insulation and using the EU energy label). Here is an overview of the most important practical measures that you can implement in the short, medium or long term:
- Purchasing energy-efficient products (pay attention to the EU energy label)
- Planning renovation/modernization (more in the Article on sustainable refurbishment)
- Improve insulation (offers great savings potential, especially in older buildings)
- Conscious heating (Lowering the temperature from 20 to 19 degrees saves around 7.1 percent of heating costs, which corresponds to around 61 euros3)
- Avoid standby (e.g. through a power strip that can be switched off)
- Ventilate efficiently (e.g. by airing the room instead of leaving windows ajar)
- Replace old light bulbs with LED lamps (approx. 80 percent more efficient and more durable)
These and other tips - such as energy-efficient cooking with a lid and the use of Solar thermal - I will explain once again very precisely in the article about a Better energy efficiency in the home.
Funding opportunities and state support
Many households can benefit from state subsidies if they Invest in energy-efficient measures. Whether it's the insulation of roofs or walls, the replacement of old heating systems or the installation of renewable energies like solar cells - there are various programs that financial support offer.
In Germany, for example KfW Bank promotes energy-efficient refurbishments and the switch to sustainable energy technologies through low-interest loans or grants.
So it can definitely be worth it, before major investments in energy efficiency to look for subsidies for your home. You can obtain information on this directly from KfW or from regional banks and special information platforms on funding opportunities.
Tip: Take a look at the Energy-saving tips for consumers from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection - they offer valuable information on energy-saving measures and state subsidies.
Energy efficiency is the key to a more sustainable future
Energy efficiency is far more than just a technical buzzword. It is a central component of climate protection, resource conservation and, of course, your personal financial relief. So everyone benefits if we as consumers value the electricity from the socket and use it more consciously.
The implementation starts with you: Think about which measures make the most sense in your home. Perhaps you start with small changes such as LED lamps or switching off appliances in standby mode. Or you can plan larger long-term projects, such as insulating your attic. Every step counts - for you, your home and our environment.
"What we do today will determine what the world looks like tomorrow."
Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (more at Environmental protection quotes)
Do you have any questions, suggestions or other ideas for better energy efficiency in everyday life? Then I look forward to your comment!
Stay sustainable,
PS: Are you looking for more tips and ideas to improve your Making your home more environmentally friendly? Then be sure to read the linked blog post next!
References:
- TÜV SÜD: Press release - This is what matters when buying a refrigerator (as of 07.08.2024), available at https://www.tuvsud.com/de-de/-/media/de/corporate/pdf/presse/2024/august/124_ps_darauf-kommt-es-beim-kuehlschrank-kauf-an.pdf. [20.01.2025]. ↩︎
- Berliner Mieterverein e.V.: Expertenstreit um die Wärmedämmung - Des Guten zu viel (Status: 28.04.2012), https://www.berliner-mieterverein.de/magazin/online/mm0412/expertenstreit-um-die-waermedaemmung-des-guten-zu-viel-041214.htm. [20.01.2025]. ↩︎
- ÖKO-TEST Verlag GmbH & Co. KG; L. Wirag: Heating 1 degree less: How many euros can you save? (as of 13.10.2023), available at https://www.oekotest.de/freizeit-technik/1-Grad-weniger-heizen-Wie-viel-Euro-lassen-sich-damit-sparen_13132_1.html. [20.01.2025]. ↩︎
