Get Balder's 6 best saving tips for your home

Cut expenses without compromising comfort 
A new year has begun, and that means many of us are looking at our expenses and seeking ways to save. It's not just an economic necessity but also an opportunity to make our homes more energy-efficient and sustainable.

In this article, our heating manager and expert in energy savings, Morten Tofteby, will share some practical and easy saving tips that can help you reduce your monthly expenses without compromising the comfort of your home. 

Save money on your energy and heating consumption 
Being mindful of the energy consumption in your home can lead to significant savings. Simple actions such as using curtains to retain heat, switching to LED lighting, and being conscious of your water usage can have a considerable impact. Reducing the time spent in the shower and avoiding unnecessary toilet flushes can make a big difference in your overall energy budget.

Utilize curtains and windows 
Most people close their curtains in the evening and open them in the morning to regulate light, but few may realize that this simple act can also help save on heating and energy costs at home.

"By closing the curtains at night, you create an extra layer of insulation that effectively retains heat, especially in the colder months when heat loss through windows can be a significant expense," explains Morten Tofteby, heating manager and energy-saving expert at Balder.

He continues:

"Additionally, consider using blackout curtains designed to provide better insulation and further reduce heat loss. During the summer, these curtains can also help keep the heat out, reducing the need for air conditioning or fans."

Finally, remember that if you have a radiator under your window, avoid having floor-length curtains covering it. This will both retain heat behind the curtain and deceive the thermostat into thinking the entire room is warm enough.

Harnessing daylight in this way can help reduce both your electricity bill and your energy consumption. 

Replace old, tired bulbs with LED 
Switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED lighting is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption at home. LED bulbs use up to 75-80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and can have a lifespan up to 25 times longer.

"Although the initial cost of an LED bulb may be higher compared to a traditional incandescent bulb, this upfront investment is quickly recouped through energy savings. Depending on usage and electricity prices, an LED bulb can pay for itself in a few months to a year. After this point, all savings are pure gains," explains Balder's Morten Tofteby.

Furthermore, the long lifespan of LED bulbs reduces the need for frequent replacements, contributing further to savings and making it an economically advantageous decision in the long run.

By switching to LED lighting, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bill while contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Consider your water consumption - water doesn't come by itself
Being mindful of your water consumption is crucial—not just to save money but also to preserve a vital natural resource. Small changes in daily habits can have a significant impact. By avoiding letting the water run while brushing your teeth or applying shampoo in the shower, you can significantly reduce your water usage. Also, consider the length of your showers; even a few minutes less can save a considerable amount of water over time. There's also money to be saved by using only the full flush on the toilet when necessary. Unnecessary flushes can result in surprisingly high water consumption.

"When considering how we use our water and electricity, it's also important to be mindful of how we use our household appliances, including the dishwasher. It's not necessary to thoroughly rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. In fact, it's recommended to simply scrape off the worst food residues. This way, you save a lot of water, and it also improves the dishwasher's results. By avoiding extra water for pre-rinsing, you can save both water and energy, especially if you wait until the machine is fully loaded before running it," adds Morten Tofteby. 

Some general but effective saving methods 
Saving money at home is not just about major changes—often, it's the small adjustments that can make a big difference. For example, you can turn off appliances on standby. Even when not in use, they can still consume a surprising amount of energy.

Another smart solution is to invest in automatic on/off systems. These can control everything from lights to electronic devices and ensure they are only on when necessary.

Also, use energy-saving settings on your household appliances. Many modern appliances have special settings designed to minimize energy consumption without compromising performance. 

Create a budget for your expenses - and save even more 
Setting up a budget for your expenses is an effective way to get a clear overview of where your money is going, and it can be crucial in identifying new areas where you can save. When you meticulously track your expenses, it becomes easier to spot patterns and potential surpluses in your consumption. This can include everything from fixed expenses like rent and subscriptions to variable costs like food and entertainment.

"A budget helps set realistic savings goals and creates a plan for how these goals can be achieved. It can reveal unnecessary expenses that you may not have been aware of before, allowing you to reallocate these funds to more valuable purposes or savings," says Morten Tofteby.

In short, by creating a budget and sticking to it, you can not only save money but also achieve greater financial peace and understanding. It's a valuable tool for anyone looking to optimize their financial health and saving habits. 

Take on unnecessary expenses today 
We hope you have found this article informative and useful. Our goal has been to provide you with practical and easily understandable tips on how to save money in your home without compromising your daily comfort. From adjusting your thermostat to being more conscious of your water consumption and budgeting—all these strategies can contribute to a more economical and sustainable lifestyle.

Remember that even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on your finances. By implementing just some of these suggestions, you can begin to see a difference in your monthly expenses.