Please note: an updated version of this text is available in German. The English translation is in process and will be available hereshortly.

Household (Appliances)

The lower the energy required for an energy service, the higher the energy efficiency being achieved. An energy input is required in order to obtain an energy service, such as a warm home in winter or a flood-lit stadium at night. Often, a warm home can be achieved with just 10 percent of the energy input if the building is renovated intelligently with a view to reducing energy consumption. In a bright room, electricity efficiency can be increased by a factor of 5 if conventional fluorescent light bulbs are replaced with energy-saving lamps. Energy efficiency and energy saving are not the same thing, but their outcome is identical: less energy consumption. Energy efficiency is mainly achieved through more efficient technology. On its own, however, efficient technology is not enough. Everyone can take action and save energy: the fridge does not need to be larger than required or run at Arctic temperatures, and overheated rooms are actually less healthy in many cases.

Further information:

• Questions and Answers: Energy Efficiency Tips for Domestic and Electrical Appliances
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