Energy: these winter habits cost a fortune
Hi, this is Claude. In winter, the first thing to do to avoid skyrocketing energy bills is to reduce the energy consumption of appliances on standby and adopt simple habits around heating. These habits often cost a fortune if you don’t correct them quickly, so you might as well start saving today!
To do immediately
- Turn off and unplug devices that are on standby: computer, TV, chargers…
- Set the heating to 19°C in the living areas and 17°C in the bedrooms.
- Use power strips with switches to completely cut off the power.
- Close the shutters and curtains at night to keep in the heat.
- Check the insulation and optimize it if possible (windows, doors, walls).
To better understand how winter habits can increase the bill, you can consult Why closing shutters and curtains at the wrong time is expensive and also better manage your heating budget with practical tips to manage your winter budget.
Costly mistakes related to standby power consumption
Leaving your TV, computer, or coffee maker on standby for weeks is like throwing hundreds of euros away. Even when switched off, these devices consume electricity, sometimes up to 70 watt-hours per day for a plugged-in computer.
It’s not just about saving energy, but also about reducing unnecessary weight on your monthly bill. A common anecdote: one household halved its electricity bill simply by unplugging everything that wasn’t being used. Here’s a quote to illustrate: “The cheapest energy is the energy you don’t use.”.
Heating: optimizing without suffering from the cold
Did you know that lowering your thermostat by just one degree Celsius can save you 7% on your annual energy bill? The advice is simple: keep the living areas at 19°C and lower the temperature to 17°C in the bedrooms. If you have children, adjust the temperature slightly based on their comfort level, but avoid overheating.
If it’s a poorly insulated apartment, the impact will be less, but by improving insulation (triple-glazed windows, reinforced seals), savings can reach or exceed 20%. For a well-insulated house, precise heating control combined with systems like dual-flow ventilation can become a real asset for energy efficiency.
Quick way to reduce your bill this winter
- Step 1: Do a quick audit of your home to identify devices on standby and the state of the insulation (doors, windows, walls).
- Step 2: Install power strips with switches, unplug unused appliances and close shutters and curtains securely at night.
- Step 3: Set your thermostat to 19°C and program it, or use a smart thermostat to manage heating zones.
Table of possible savings with a few simple actions
| Action | Estimated annual savings | Impact principal |
|---|---|---|
| Unplug devices that are in standby mode | up to €150 | Reducing unnecessary electricity consumption |
| Reduce heating by 1°C | 7% of the heating bill | Less thermal energy consumption |
| Enhanced insulation (windows, walls) | 15-25% depending on the house | Less heat loss |
| Use of LEDs and presence detectors | 50-70 € | Reduction of lighting consumption |
| Installing a smart thermostat | Up to 20% off heating | Optimizing heating according to needs |
More easy steps to adopt
- Defrost your refrigeration appliances regularly so that they consume less energy.
- Choose “eco” programs on your household appliances to limit water and electricity consumption.
- Remember to close doors and windows when the heating is on.
- Consult other tips for saving energy that really work.
FAQs about energy and costs in winter
Why are devices in standby mode expensive?
Even when switched off, these devices consume electricity, which, with several devices, ends up representing a significant bill over the year.
What is the ideal temperature for economical comfort?
19°C in living areas and 17°C in bedrooms allows consumption to be limited without losing comfort, according to usual recommendations.
How can I tell if my insulation is effective?
A thermal audit, thermography or an air tightness test are the most reliable methods to assess your insulation.
What are the best equipment options for reducing the bill?
Smart thermostats, triple-glazed windows, and dual-flow ventilation systems are among the most effective.
How can I finance my energy renovation?
Aid such as MaPrimeRénov’, Energy Savings Certificates, and the eco-PTZ can cover part of the work.
Thank you for your interest; Claude
