10 tricks to save electricity and gas this January
Surviving the cold without suffering the January blues is possible without sacrificing comfort in your home.
Cold and saving: January's double challenge
January is the month when the lowest temperatures of the year coincide with managing the expenses accumulated after the Christmas holidays. During this period, electricity and gas consumption rises to maintain comfort at home. In fact, heating is usually the factor that most influences this increase, potentially representing almost 401% of the total energy consumption of an average home in Spain, according to data from the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE).
Given this situation, implementing energy efficiency measures is the most effective strategy. It's not about enduring the cold, but about using energy intelligently and efficiently, adopting simple habits that optimize the performance of each heating system.
We give you 10 tips to combat low temperatures more efficiently and achieve greater savings on your energy bill.
1. Take advantage of the sun's natural heat: Solar energy is your best free source of heat. During the day, open blinds and curtains to let the sun warm the interior. At nightfall, close them to retain the accumulated heat and create an additional barrier against the cold outside.
2. The 21°C rule: every degree counts. IDAE recommends keeping your home between 20 and 21°C during the day. Lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you between 7% and 10% on your heating bill.
3. Efficient ventilation: Just 10 minutes is enough to refresh the air and regulate humidity. This time is sufficient to oxygenate the home without cooling the thermal mass of walls and floors, avoiding extra energy costs to recover lost temperature.
4. Clear the radiators: For hot air to circulate freely, the radiators must be clear. Avoid covering them with clothes or placing furniture in front of them, as this reduces energy efficiency and forces the system to work longer.
5. Weatherstripping and sealing leaks: Cold air infiltration is responsible for significant heat loss. According to INE data, approximately 18.8% of primary residences in Spain have some type of thermal insulation problem. Installing weatherstripping on doors and windows is an economical and effective solution to reduce heat loss in the home, thus saving on energy bills.
6. Heat reflectors: Placing reflective sheets behind radiators helps project heat into the room instead of being absorbed by the wall, improving the performance of your heating system.
7. Smart textiles: thermal carpets and curtains act as physical barriers against the cold emanating from the floor and windows, improving thermal comfort without the need to raise the thermostat.
8. Smart scheduling: Heating your home when no one is there is an unnecessary expense. Program your heating to run only when you're home to optimize energy savings and avoid waste. Install thermostatic radiator valves or programmable thermostats; these are affordable and easy-to-use solutions, and you'll save between 8% and 13% on energy. And if you're going to be away for a few hours, simply lower the thermostat to 15°C.
9. Preventive maintenance: Bleeding radiators and regularly servicing the boiler improves the system's efficiency, reduces breakdowns, and prevents unnecessary energy consumption. A well-maintained system uses less energy.
10. Audit your tariff: the energy market is constantly evolving. Check if your contracted power matches your current energy needs and review your current tariff; perhaps your consumption patterns have changed and it's time to switch. At Audax, we can advise you on the tariff that best suits your needs.
Small energy changes that affect your wallet
The combination of these habits and small improvements provides real relief for the family budget. According to the INE (National Institute of Statistics), nearly 201% of the Spanish population has difficulty keeping their homes at a comfortable temperature in winter, which underscores the importance of adopting energy-saving solutions.
Adopting these measures improves thermal comfort and ensures a much more responsible use of resources. Optimizing your home's energy today is the best strategy to reduce your expenses for the rest of the winter. Discover our energy efficiency solutions and check out our electricity and gas rates.
Sources consulted:
https://www.idae.es/ahorra-energia/recomendaciones-para-el-ahorro-energetico-en-hogares
https://www.ocu.org/vivienda-y-energia/calefaccion/consejos/bajar-o-apagar-calefaccion
https://www.ine.es/jaxi/Datos.htm?tpx=56781#_tabs-tabla
https://informesweb.idae.es/consumo-usos-residencial/informe.php
