The dreaded bill is, in many cases, one of the biggestexpenses. That is why, below, we explain how you can reduce your energy consumption and save money, something especially relevant if you own a rental property and want to optimize its profitability.
1. Identify appliances that consume less energy
To find out which appliances consume the least energy, you need to check the energy label. This is a sticker found on appliances that identifies them based on their energy consumption. The efficiency level is measured on a seven-letter scale: A, B, C, D, E, F, G (from highest to lowest efficiency). Below, we explain the meaning of each category (this new labeling system
was implemented in 2022):
In addition to the letter, this label includes the following information:
- Manufacturer
- Model and brand
- Annual energy consumption (kWh)
- Capacity in liters and Decibels (dB)
- QR code with additional information about the appliance
Owning a tourist or short-term rental apartment means that investing in energy-efficient appliances will help you reduce energy costs while offering a more sustainable home that is attractive to tenants.
2. What does energy efficiency mean for appliances?
It refers to an appliance’s ability to perform its function while consuming the least amount of energy possible. Naturally, the less energy it consumes, the more efficient it is. Furthermore, this is important because the new labeling system was implemented under Royal Decree 390/2021, ensuring that these labels comply with European regulations. The main goal is to provide information more clearly so that consumers can easily understand it. If you are a property owner and delegate the management of your apartment to an expert agency, ensuring that the property has energy-efficient appliances can enhance its market value and attract tenants who are more sustainability-conscious.
3. How much can I save with energy-efficient appliances?
Below, we provide a table with the approximate savings based on the appliance’s energy label:
4. What factors should I consider when buying an appliance?
When selecting appliances, it’s essential to consider theirdurability and resistance. The appliances that consume the least energy are the oven, washing machine, and TV. In contrast, the highest-consuming appliances are the refrigerator, freezer, dryer, and dishwasher. Be mindful of Standby mode, also known as phantom energy consumption! Even if it doesn’t seem like much, it accounts for 6.6% of the total energy consumption of household appliances. Ensuring that your guests use the appliances in your rental property responsibly can make a significant difference in your electricity bill. Tools like Polaroo can help you monitor and control your property’s expenses.
ECO Mode
This mode is designed to optimize water consumption and energy usage throughout the washing process. This process is carried out without compromising the quality of the results and combines several factors to reduce its environmental impact:
- Duration: The ECO program may take longer than regular cycles. This is because, by ensuring proper cleaning while using fewer resources, it requires more time.
- Temperature: The temperature typically ranges between 40°C and 60°C. This means it operates at a lower temperature than standard programs.
- Resource optimization: This function adjusts the amount of water based on the load size and level of dirt. This way, water waste is avoided.
Therefore, some of the advantages of the ECO mode include extending the lifespan of the appliance and contributing to environmental sustainability.
5. How to optimize usage and save on your electricity bill
- Wash with cold water to use up to a third less energy.
- Adjust your refrigerator’s temperature to around 3.5°C and the freezer to -18°C.
- Unplug appliances you won’t be using for a while. Remember that standby mode can increase your annual electricity consumption by 7%.
- Fully load your washing machine and dishwasher before running them. Otherwise, you’re wasting space, water, and energy.
- Use ECO programs. These can help reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
6. Sustainable practices you can adopt
- Run appliances with a full load: As mentioned earlier, maximizing the load in your washing machine and dishwasher helps avoid unnecessary water and energy waste.
- Clean filters regularly: Keeping ducts and filters clean improves performance and reduces energy consumption.
- Place appliances strategically: It’s important to position them away from heat sources, such as radiators.
If you found this article useful or are looking for an agency to manage your property, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
