Gas, electricity: the right things to do to reduce your bill

Gas prices keep on skyrocketing.

After increasing by more than 25% over the last three months, the regulated tariff (TRVG) marketed by Engie will increase again in October, by 12.6%.

At the same time, the record levels of electricity prices on international markets are already having an impact on French bills.

Le Figaro

makes a list of good things to do to limit your energy consumption.

Read also The price of gas will increase by 12.6% in October

Unplug your devices on standby

An LCD television on standby consumes an average of 8 kWh per year. It is certainly not a lot, but if you leave all your electrical devices on standby, it can significantly and especially unnecessarily increase your electricity bill. According to Ademe, the Ecological Transition Agency, turning them off can save up to 10% of the electricity bill (excluding heating). So remember to turn off your devices when you are no longer using them and if they are not equipped with a switch, such as some televisions for example, opt for a multiple socket with switch for more convenience. "

For washing machines and dishwashers, watches are often used to detect water leaks and it is not wise to disconnect them

", recalls all the same.Ademe.

Also, don't forget to unplug your phone and laptop chargers when they're charged.

A good habit that will allow you to save money while avoiding having cables hooked to each outlet.

It is also important to turn off your internet box when it is not in use.

A box that is switched on 24 hours a day consumes more than 200 kWh per year, or as much as the washing machine.

Think about the "eco" mode of your devices

Most dishwashers and washing machines have an "

eco

"

mode

. Depending on the model, it can consume up to 45% less electricity. Be careful, however, not to confuse the "

 Eco 

" program with the rapid program.

Also remember to turn down the temperature when using your washing machine. Indeed, washing your clothes at 30 ° requires three times less energy than if you wash them at 90 °. So only use high temperatures when really necessary. It is also important to run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full. "

The half load of the washing machine consumes less water but just as much electricity

", specifies the Ademe.

Also try to skip the dryer step as soon as possible.

It uses twice as much energy to dry your clothes as it takes to wash them.

And in case of use, remember to wring out your clothes well before putting them in, this will allow you to use it for less time.

Regularly clean your devices

Remember to dust your radiators regularly so that they work optimally.

And to defrost your refrigerator and freezer because if they are covered with a thick layer of frost, they can consume up to 30% more energy.

1 millimeter of frost resulting in 10% overconsumption of electricity.

Regularly ventilate your home

It is important to ventilate your home regularly.

Opening the windows when it's cold can seem contradictory, but a damp home keeps heat less well.

By ventilating your home for a few minutes a day, you greatly contribute to sanitizing it and thus reduce the heating time required to reach the desired temperature.

In addition, if you open the windows do not forget to turn off the heating so as not to overconsume.

Read alsoHow to set up a small kitchen?

Optimize the electricity consumption of your kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most demanding items in terms of electricity consumption, particularly because of the presence of cold devices such as the refrigerator. A first solution thus consists in moving as far as possible the devices generating heat from those generating cold, because a refrigerator located near the oven will logically consume more.

As far as cooking is concerned, it is recommended to give preference to induction hobs for rapid cooking, as they allow savings of up to 50% compared to conventional hobs.

When using electric hobs, it is very economical to cover pots and pans when cooking.

“

To boil water or cook your dish, putting on a lid allows you to consume 25% less energy,

” highlights the Ecological Transition Agency.

It is also helpful to have pots and pans that match the diameter of your hobs.

Finally, it is important to clean the burners.

If the flame is yellow, it indicates a lack of oxygen, they are clogged.

Beware of hot water

To limit the resulting cost of hot water in your annual bill, several solutions exist.

Above all, you must ensure that your hot water tank is properly adjusted to a temperature between 55 and 60 ° C.

Favoring showers over baths reduces the water used by three, and therefore the electricity needed to heat it.

It is also interesting to Install aerators or flow reducers on the taps.

“

An economical handshower can save you up to 75% water,

” explains Ademe.

Remember to leave the taps on the taps in the cold position so that the boiler is not called upon immediately when you open the tap.

Another tip is to surround the hot water tank and the pipes with insulation to prevent heat loss.

"

Insulation is all the more necessary when the hot water tank is installed in an unheated place (garage, basement, etc.) and the water points are far from the hot water tank

", describes the 'Ademe.

In addition, do not let the hot water tank operate during extended periods of absence.

Read also What is the premium for the conversion of boilers?

Beware of lighting

To save on your electricity bill, it is also important to act on the lighting of your home, above all by choosing types of low-consumption bulbs, as well as by adapting the power of your lamps according to your needs. needs. “

LED lamps consume little electricity and last a long time (up to 40,000 hours), enough to compensate for their purchase price. It is the best home lighting solution, provided they last more than 20,000 hours and are classified A + or A ++ on the energy label

, ”says the Ecological Transition Agency.

It may also be wise in certain places such as stairs to opt for motion detectors.

Finally, the golden rule is to always check that the lights are off when you leave a room, or in unoccupied rooms.

Adapt the heating

Be careful with your heating this winter. Electric heaters consume a lot. “

There is no need to heat all the rooms to the same temperature. Some rooms are occupied all day, but others, such as bedrooms or bathrooms, do not need a constant high temperature. Around 20 ℃ in living rooms, 17 ℃ in bedrooms, will allow you to reduce your heating consumption. And for more efficiency, install heating regulation and programming

, ”advises Ademe.

When the temperatures get colder, it is important to always close your shutters as soon as night falls and to draw the curtains to prevent the cold from radiating into the accommodation.

During very cold periods, keep the shutters closed even during the day if you are not at home to slow down heat loss through the windows.

"

To live in comfortable housing and limit your heating bills, solution no. 1 is to insulate the roof, walls, low floors and windows,

" recalls the Ecological Transition Agency.

Choose thrifty appliances

Choosing the right equipment, whether electronic or household appliances, when purchasing or renewing them, by checking that they are economical, will allow you to save energy.

Whether it is a computer, a refrigerator or a dishwasher, be sure to favor appliances rated at least A + to benefit from lower consumption which will be felt throughout the year.

Installing a more economical boiler can also help you reduce your energy bill.

In addition, state aid encourages individuals to do so.

Read also France will have enough gas this winter

Compare gas or electricity suppliers

While everything can be compared on the internet, it is also possible to compare the contracts of energy suppliers.

Great annual savings are the key.

The good advice is to choose a fixed rate so as not to see your bill increase with increases in prices from suppliers.