We would be pleased to advise you on the optimization of your property.
Tel.: +49 89 340 823-44
Evelyne Lelowski
Head of Interior Design
In addition to the location and the price, the furnishing of a temporary rental is equally important for a successful lease. The furnishing should be well planned out, to curb energy costs. We have collected some tips on how you can equip your home in an energy-saving way:
Do not cover the radiators
When furnishing an apartment or a house it is important to make sure the radiators are not covered by furniture or heave curtains. To ensure an optimal room climate, the warm air has to circulate freely. Otherwise, the radiators may warm up differently or not generate heat at all. When air enters the radiator’s system it may even cost more energy.
Disconnectable power strips
Computer, TV or stereo system – they are ready to use at any moment. While this is very convenient at first, the power consumption of consumer electronics should not be underestimated. In standby mode, for example, older flat-screen TVs consume up to 6 watts. Even if that doesn't seem like much at first, the costs add up with the number of devices. Energy-saving power strips can save electricity and money in this respect. Depending on the model, you don't even have to operate the toggle switch yourself. For example, if the TV is switched off with the remote control, the power strip automatically cuts the power.
The right placement for kitchen appliances
In many kitchens there is an acute lack of space. Not every apartment has enough space to plan the kitchen optimally. Therefore, it is not always possible to place refrigerators and stove or oven far enough apart. With new appliances, however, this is not much of a problem, since the electrical appliances are well insulated and sealed. If there is enough space available, a kitchen should be planned so that there is enough space between the refrigerators and the stove or oven. Otherwise, the refrigerators will need more energy to compensate for the heat.
Energy-saving appliances
Electricity costs make up a third of the energy costs of a household. The large appliances in particular add up on the electricity bill. When buying a new dishwasher, you should always take a look at the energy label. On it, you'll find information on electricity and water consumption, the drying efficiency class and noise levels, as well as details on the standard load. Seven energy efficiency classes from "A" (particularly economical) to "G" (very high energy consumption) make comparison easier. For open kitchens in particular, it is worth paying attention to the decibel specifications for noise levels.
Induction stove
Stoves with induction hob are more expensive to buy, yet they heat up far quicker and use 20% less energy than other stove tops. However, only pots and pans that are made for induction hobs can be used on them.
Other advantages: induction hobs prevent overcooked food from burning on the hob, and you can’t burn yourself on the hot stove top either.
Shutters as insulation
Shutters can not only be used to darken a room. They also serve as blinds, burglary prevention and heat insulation. When the shutters are down, the heat is kept within the house. An air pocket builds between the windows and the shutter, serving as insulation. This can save energy as well.
Energy-saving lights
Compared to a regular light-bulb, LED energy saving lights can save up energy up to 90%. With 7 watts of power, they are equally bright as a regular 60-watt light-bulb. LED lights can run for up to 10,000 hours, while light bulbs only run for approx. 1,000 hours.
Save water with the right shower head
Showering and bathing make up the biggest part of our water consumption. With the right kind of shower head, it is easy to cut consumption. You can save up to 60% of water compared with regular shower heads. There are different models - some simply let less water through the finer water jets, others, such as pearl jets, mix air into the water jet. This lowers the amount of water passing through, but the shower comfort remains almost the same.
Installation is a breeze, all you have to do is unscrew the old shower head and screw on the new one.
