With autumn comes cooler weather, shorter days and increased energy consumption. To keep your electricity bills from skyrocketing, it pays to think ahead about how to prepare your home for winter.
We share practical and effective tips on how to optimise energy consumption at home and save money – without sacrificing comfort.
1. Reduce the room temperature – every degree counts
In Estonia, homes typically require heating for around eight months of the year, making it the area with the greatest savings potential. While it is not practical to switch off the heating system entirely, lowering your indoor thermostat by just one degree can cut heating costs by about 5%.
Avoid making frequent thermostat adjustments, as they can cause indoor climate fluctuations and reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Instead, try to maintain a steady temperature and make use of room-based controls – this way, you can fine-tune the temperature in different rooms according to need.
2. Check the energy efficiency of your electrical appliances
Older household appliances and lighting often use much more electricity than today’s energy-efficient models. Review the energy class of your larger appliances, such as the refrigerator, washing machine or dishwasher, and consider whether replacing them could be a worthwhile long-term investment.
In addition, check whether you still have old incandescent bulbs at home. Replacing them with LED lights, which last longer and use far less energy, can cut your lighting costs by up to 80%.
3. Switch off appliances completely
A simple rule for electrical appliances: if you are not using them, turn them off and unplug them. Many appliances, such as chargers, coffee machines and microwaves, still consume energy in standby mode. This hidden energy cost can account for up to 10% of your annual electricity bill.
It is important to remember that to fully stop the power consumption of the appliance, you need to unplug it from the wall socket.
4. Choose an electricity package that suits your consumption habits
Not all electricity packages are the same, so it is important to select one that fits your consumption needs and lifestyle.
If you prefer stability and predictable costs, a fixed-price package is a smart choice. A fixed package provides security when electricity market prices fluctuate. The best time to lock in your electricity price is now, just before winter, when electricity prices are lower.
An exchange package, on the other hand, follows market prices and is better suited for those willing to manage their electricity use flexibly, for example, by using more electricity during more affordable hours. Consider which option works best for your household and make an informed decision.
Small changes, noticeable impact
Energy savings begin with small, but conscious choices and habit changes. Fortunately, most everyday household tasks offer opportunities to save. Here are some more useful tips:
- Keep radiator and heat pump vents clear – avoid blocking them with furniture or curtains.
- Seal gaps around windows and doors, and use thick curtains at night to retain heat.
- Ventilate briefly but intensively, instead of leaving windows ajar for long periods.
- Use lower temperatures when washing clothes. Lightly soiled clothes can be cleaned with a 30-degree programme, resulting in savings of up to 30%.
- Instead of putting wet laundry in the dryer, hang it on a drying rack. This way, clothes get dry with zero energy consumption.
- When using household appliances, select economical or energy-efficient modes that reduce electricity consumption and extend the lifespan of the appliance.
When to consider larger investments and renovations
If simple measures, like lowering the thermostat or replacing appliances, do not achieve the desired savings, it is worth assessing the energy efficiency of your entire home.
In homes with higher consumption, significant improvements can be made through actions such as insulating the façade and roof, upgrading windows or modernising the heating system. Although this is a bigger investment, it often pays for itself within 5–10 years.
It is especially wise to plan renovations when state or local subsidies are available – this can lower your out-of-pocket costs and prevent extra expenses or repeated work later. Beyond saving money, an energy-efficient home is more valuable and better protected against energy price fluctuations.
If you do not know where to start – ask for advice
Enefit is here to help. Whether you want to assess the energy efficiency of your home, need guidance on choosing the right electricity package or have any other questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we will find the best solution for your home!
Get in touch by emailing us at teenindus@enefit.ee, calling at 777 4040 or submitting a consultation request via our website.
