In Switzerland, energy efficiency is a top priority. With rising energy prices, adopting the right habits to save energy has become essential.
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Energy renovation
Energy renovation guide: CECB, insulation, subsidies.
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Thermal insulation is the key to saving energy. In Switzerland, heat loss through walls, roofing and windows is significant. Investing in high-performance insulation, particularly external wall insulation (ITE), considerably reduces your heating and cooling consumption. Do not overlook the financial support available in Switzerland to encourage insulation work.
Windows account for a significant share of heat loss. Opt for double or triple glazed windows with a low thermal transmittance coefficient (Uw). Also consider installing shutters or blinds of your choice to limit heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. READ: Renovating your wooden windows for perfect insulation: the guide.
Regulate the temperature: lower the temperature by a few degrees at night and when you are away. A programmable thermostat will let you automate these settings. For example, lowering the room temperature by one degree saves 5 to 6% of energy.
Maintain the boiler: regular maintenance of your boiler ensures proper operation and optimises its energy performance.
Bleed the radiators: bleeding radiators regularly removes air and improves their efficiency.
Control your heating remotely: remote heating solutions (CAD) let you optimise your thermal comfort while controlling your energy consumption.
When replacing your oldest appliances, favour Class A models. They consume much less energy than older models. Choose, for example, an electric kettle with a thermostat to set the water heating temperature. As for the tumble dryer, it is among the most energy-hungry household appliances (about 200 kWh per year). To run it for less time, spin the laundry thoroughly in the washing machine drum after the wash. Mechanical moisture extraction is 100 times more efficient than thermal extraction in a tumble dryer.
The consumption of appliances on standby accounts for a non-negligible share of your electricity bill. Completely switch off your electronic devices when you are not using them, or use power strips with a switch.
Use LED bulbs: LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
Take advantage of natural light: open the curtains and blinds during the day to maximise the use of natural light.
Shower rather than bath: a shower uses much less hot water than a bath.
Install water-saving taps: water-saving taps reduce your hot water consumption without any loss of comfort.
Wash laundry at low temperature: washing laundry at 30°C or 40°C is enough for most clothes and saves energy.
Use a lid on pots and pans: to boil water or cook your dish, putting on a lid reduces energy use by 25%.
Did you know that domestic hot water production accounts for a significant share of your electricity consumption? Optimising its use is therefore crucial to saving energy and reducing your bills.
Your water heater, whether electric, gas or solar, must be set optimally. There is no point in heating the water to excessive temperatures. Setting your water heater between 55°C and 60°C is perfectly adequate for optimal comfort and avoids wasting energy. Needlessly boiling water for uses such as washing hands or dishes is an energy-intensive practice to be avoided.
Favour cold water whenever possible and invest in water-saving taps to limit your hot water consumption. By adopting these simple habits, you will significantly reduce the energy needed to heat water and contribute to more responsible use of resources.
Regularly monitoring your energy consumption helps you identify sources of waste and adapt your habits. Consumption monitoring tools are available from your energy supplier.
Producing your own electricity is an excellent way to reduce your dependence on the electricity grid, lower your energy bill and contribute to the energy transition. Several solutions are available to individuals in Switzerland:
Installing photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of your house is the most common solution for producing green electricity. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which you can use directly in your home or feed into the grid for payment. Technological advances have made solar panels more efficient and more affordable, and the financial support available in Switzerland makes the investment even more attractive.
READ: Compare quotes for a successful photovoltaic installation.
Although air-to-water heat pumps do not directly produce electricity, they considerably reduce energy consumption for heating and domestic hot water production. They capture the heat present in the outside air and transfer it inside the home. Combined with photovoltaic solar panels, they optimise energy self-consumption.
Combining different renewable energy production solutions, such as photovoltaic solar panels and heat pumps, lets you optimise self-consumption and maximise energy savings.
READ: Succeed in your energy renovation project in Switzerland: our complete guide.
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