Energy saving tips
15 small tips for saving energy:
- Use LED light sources:
Replace conventional incandescent and halogen lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps. - Avoid standby mode:
Switch devices off completely instead of leaving them on standby. - Kettle instead of hob:
A kettle is more efficient than the hob for heating water. - Set thermostatic valves correctly:
Lower the room temperature by one degree to save up to 6% on heating costs. - Economy programs for washing machines and dishwashers:
These programs are often more energy efficient. - Ventilate instead of tilting windows:
Shock ventilation for a few minutes is more effective than permanently tilted windows. - Defrost the refrigerator and freezer regularly:
A layer of ice increases energy consumption. - Check and replace seals:
Leaky windows and doors lead to heat loss. - Use of energy-saving mode for electronic devices:
Activate energy-saving functions on your PC, laptop and TV. - Purchase energy-efficient appliances:
Look for high energy efficiency classes when buying new household appliances. - Avoid short programs in washing machines:
These often consume more energy than regular programs. - Use the correct pot size on hotplates:
A pot that is too small on a large plate wastes energy. - Use of microwave instead of oven:
The microwave is often more efficient for reheating food. - Do not cover radiators:
Prevent furniture from blocking the heat output of the radiators. - Check thermal insulation:
Good insulation of walls, roof and floor significantly reduces the heating requirement.
Frequently asked questions about energy-saving tips
15 tips for saving energy:
- Use LED light sources: Replace conventional incandescent and halogen lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps.
- Avoid standby mode: Switch devices off completely instead of leaving them on standby.
- Kettle instead of hob: A kettle is more efficient than a hob for heating water.
- Set thermostatic valves correctly: Lower the room temperature by one degree to save up to 6% on heating costs.
- Use economy programs for washing machines and dishwashers: These programs are often more energy efficient.
- Ventilate instead of tilting windows: airing the room for a few minutes at a time is more effective than leaving windows permanently tilted.
- Defrost the fridge and freezer regularly: A layer of ice increases energy consumption.
- Check and replace seals: Leaky windows and doors lead to heat loss.
- Use energy-saving modes on electronic devices: Activate energy-saving functions on your PC, laptop and TV.
- Purchase energy-efficient appliances: When buying new household appliances, look for high energy efficiency classes.
- Avoid short programs in washing machines: These often consume more energy than regular programs.
- Use the correct pot size on hotplates: A pot that is too small on a large plate wastes energy.
- Using the microwave instead of the oven: The microwave is often more efficient for reheating food.
- Do not cover radiators: Prevent furniture from blocking the heat emitted by the radiators.
- Check thermal insulation: Good insulation of walls, roof and floor significantly reduces heating requirements.
Frequently asked questions about energy-saving tips
Further information and advice
For detailed information and personal energy advice, see our info box, where you will find expert contacts and further links:
INFOBOX - Your good source in Cologne:
Cologne Tenants' Association
Tel: 0211 / 33 996 555
Email:e-mail@mieterverein-koeln.de
Address:
Mühlenbach 49
50676 Cologne
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday
08.00 to 13.00
14.00 to 18.00
Thursday:
08.00 to 13.00
14.00 to 19.00
Friday:
08.00 to 13.15
Frequently asked questions: Energy-saving tips
The requirements for receiving housing benefit depend on various factors, including income, rental costs and household size. In principle, income must be below certain limits and housing costs must be reasonable. As the exact requirements and amount of housing benefit depend on the individual situation, it is advisable to contact the relevant housing benefit office for specific information.
The following documents are usually required to check a housing benefit claim:
- Housing benefit application
- Proof of income of all household members (e.g. payslips, pension statements)
- Rental agreement or proof of encumbrance for owners
- Account statements
- Proof of the amount of ancillary costs
- If required, further documents, e.g. proof of maintenance obligations or certificate of severe disability
The exact list of required documents may vary depending on the situation. It is therefore advisable to contact the relevant housing benefit office directly to find out which documents are required in each individual case.
If you have any further questions about housing benefit, in particular about current regulations and details, you can find comprehensive information on the website of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building. There you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the Housing Benefit Plus Act and other relevant topics. Please visit this page for detailed information.
