Domestic Appliances: Revealing the Hidden Electrical Behemoths Within Your Home

Save Energy and Money with the Consumer Center's Energy Advice Service

The Consumer Center Schleswig-Holstein e.V. (VZSH) is your central point of contact for all consumer-related questions in Schleswig-Holstein, and its Energy Advice service is a valuable resource for anyone looking to save energy and money.

The Energy Advice service, which is the largest independent advice service on energy in Germany, offers comprehensive, independent, and individual advice on energy saving. With currently 1,000 energy advisors and over 900 locations, it's easy to access this service. Consultations can take place online, by phone, or in person at over 20 locations throughout Schleswig-Holstein.

The service is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy, and for low-income households with appropriate proof, all advice offers are free. For everyone else, the maximum cost for required consultations at consumers' homes is 40 euros.

One of the key areas of focus is home energy efficiency. Heating water with electricity is expensive, and shorter showers, using a water-saving showerhead, turning off the water while brushing your teeth can help save electricity and water. The refrigerator runs around the clock and is often set incorrectly. Setting the refrigerator temperature to 7°C and -18°C in the freezer, not keeping the door open unnecessarily long, and defrosting regularly can help reduce electricity consumption.

Washing machines consume a lot of electricity, especially at high temperatures. Washing laundry at 30 to 40°C, using the eco-program, and avoiding the dryer can help save electricity. Thawing the refrigerator or freezer during summer vacation can also save electricity. Even a thin layer of ice of just one centimeter can increase electricity consumption by up to 15%.

Old incandescent and halogen lamps are real power hogs. Using LED lamps, which last longer and consume up to 80% less electricity, is a simple and effective way to save energy. Many devices like TVs, gaming consoles, routers, or microwaves consume electricity even in standby mode. Using switchable power strips or turning devices off completely when not in use can help reduce electricity consumption.

The Energy Advice service also lends out power meters free of charge, with which the consumption of individual devices can be tested. The meter check provides a good basis for controlling and then reducing electricity consumption.

The VZSH offers independent and advertising-free consumer advice, information, and education on numerous topics. More information about the Energy Advice service can be found at www.verbraucherzentrale.sh/energieberatung or by calling 0800 - 809 802 400 (nationwide free of charge) and 0431 - 590 99 40. Current information about the Consumer Center Schleswig-Holstein can be found at www.verbraucherzentrale.sh.