Save Electricity at Home
Strom Sparen im Haushalt - Room by Room Guide
Learn how to reduce electricity in every room. Practical tips for expats and newcomers in Germany.
Save Strom im Haushalt
Strom sparen im Haushalt means "saving electricity at home". For newcomers to Germany, understanding where electricity is used in your apartment is the first step to reducing bills. German apartments often have electric water heaters, which can significantly increase consumption.
While behavioral changes help, the biggest single saving comes from switching electricity providers. This alone can save €300-600 per year without changing any habits. Then, apply the room-by-room tips below for additional savings.
Key German Terms - Wichtige Begriffe
Haushalt
Household
Stromverbrauch
Electricity consumption
Kühlschrank
Refrigerator
Waschmaschine
Washing machine
Durchlauferhitzer
Instant water heater (big consumer)
Steckerleiste
Power strip (use one with switch!)
Room-by-Room Saving Tips
Tipps für jeden Raum - Practical advice for each area
Kitchen
Küche
- Set fridge to 7°C (not colder!)
- Always use pot lids (saves 65%)
- Use residual heat - turn off early
- Boil water in kettle, not pot
Living Room
Wohnzimmer
- Kill standby with power strips
- Switch to LED bulbs
- Use natural daylight
- Unplug chargers when not in use
Bathroom
Bad
- Set water heater to max 55°C
- Shorter showers save energy
- LED lights with motion sensors
- Unplug hair dryer after use
Laundry
Waschküche
- Wash at 30°C (not 60°C)
- Only run full loads
- Use eco programs
- Air dry when possible
Biggest Electricity Consumers
Die größten Stromfresser - Where most electricity goes
Electric Water Heating (Durchlauferhitzer)
If your apartment has one, it's your biggest consumer
Fridge & Freezer (Kühlschrank)
Runs 24/7 - set to 7°C, not lower
Washing Machine & Dryer
Wash at 30°C, air dry when possible
Entertainment Electronics
TV, gaming consoles - kill standby power
Lighting (Beleuchtung)
Switch to LEDs - 90% less consumption
First Step: Switch Providers
Save €300-600/year without changing any habits
Electricity Price Comparison
The biggest household saving with zero effort
Common Questions
What uses the most electricity in a German apartment?
If you have a Durchlauferhitzer (electric water heater), it's typically your biggest consumer (15-25% of usage). Otherwise, the fridge/freezer (runs 24/7), washing machine, and entertainment electronics on standbyare the main culprits. Switching provider is still the biggest single saving.
Do German apartments come with appliances?
Many German rentals come without kitchen appliances - you may need to bring or buy your own fridge, stove, and washing machine. When buying, choose A+++ ratedappliances - they use 40-50% less electricity than older models and pay for themselves in 2-3 years.
What's a Steckerleiste and why do I need one?
A Steckerleiste mit Schalter is a power strip with an on/off switch. It's essential because German electronics (TV, computer, game consoles) consume standby powereven when "off" - typically €50-100/year wasted. With a switchable power strip, one click kills all standby consumption.
Why is 30°C wash recommended in Germany?
With modern detergents, 30°C cleans just as well as 60°C for normal laundry. Heating water is 90% of a washing machine's energy use, so washing at 30°C uses about half the electricity of 60°C. Only use hot wash for towels, bedding, or heavily soiled items.
Start Saving im Haushalt
Step 1: Switch providers. Step 2: Apply room-by-room tips. Save €500+/year!