It's no secret that the cost of living is high and cold Austrian winters can make life even more expensive.
But it's not all doom and gloom as there are some simple ways to save money and energy in Austria.
Here's how.
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Reduce the heating temperature
Turning down the heating can have a big impact on energy bills. But in a cold country like Austria, it can also affect people’s wellbeing.
This is why many are opting for a compromise and lowering the temperature of central heating by just one or two degrees.
Harald Proidl, Head of the Eco-Energy and Energy Efficiency department at E-Control, told the Wiener Zeitung: “Just one degree less room temperature results in savings of five to six percent, depending on the building standard.”
Proidl says 21 degrees is the best energy-saving temperature for heating in a house or apartment. However, for most people, 23 degrees is the ideal setting for health and wellbeing.
Review electrical appliances
Households are full of electrical appliances that guzzle energy – sometimes unnecessarily.
Fridges are one of the main culprits, and big savings can be made by slightly increasing the temperature without compromising on food safety.
The recommended temperature for a fridge is between zero and five degrees, with four degrees often tipped as the magic number.
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Experts also say defrosting the freezer on a regular basis can help save energy. If the ice inside a freezer is more than 3cm thick, it’s time for a defrost. The ideal temperature for a freezer is -18 degrees.
Additionally, turning off devices like a PlayStation, Xbox or speaker system at the socket can significantly save energy and reduce electricity bills.
If possible, unplug these devices when they are not in use or invest in an electric socket bar that can be switched off.
Use the dishwasher and washing machine less
Like fridges and freezers, dishwashers and washing machines are essential household items but they also use a lot of energy.
E-Control expert Proidl said: "If you only run the washing machine or dishwasher twice a week instead of four times, that reduces electricity consumption by two kilowatt hours."
Simply by being more considerate with how these appliances are used can make a difference.
Switch to energy saving shower heads
Many energy experts say that savings can be made by switching to a more energy-efficient shower head (also known as eco shower head).
These devices can save around 20 to 30 percent of water per shower, which translates to big energy savings with hot water. The Austrian Federal Government is also recommending that people lower the water temperature when showering to further conserve energy and save money.
Energy-efficient shower heads can be easily picked up at hardware stores like Obi, Bauhaus and Lagerhaus.
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Insulate house/apartment
Investing in insulation (also known as thermal building renovations in Austria) is a great way to save energy and still feel warm while at home.
The Austrian Federal Government website says a well insulated home can reduce the need for energy by 40 percent.
Use a fireplace instead of an electric heater (if possible)
Many people in Austria have been asking if using an electric heater instead of gas radiators can save money on energy bills this winter, as reported by The Local.
But in a report by ORF, electric heaters were described as having “very poor overall efficiency”. This is because electricity is produced in power plants that produce emissions, and electric heaters don’t retain their heat for long after being switched off.
Instead, a wood burning stove is recommended as a cheaper alternative to electric or gas heating.
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What else is the government saying?
Last year, the government launched the “Mission 11” campaign to help the country’s residents reduce energy consumption by eleven percent. The aim is to introduce “small changes in our behaviour” amid the global energy crisis.
As part of the initiative, the government announced several tips to keep houses warmer, save energy and improve efficiency.
The main advice includes reducing indoor heating by two degrees, cutting showers to four minutes, switching off electrical appliances at the mains and switching to public transport.
You can read The Local’s full report on Mission 11 here.
Find out more about saving energy in Austria
Book an appointment with an energy consultant at an Energy Advice Centre in Vienna.
Read energy saving resources and guides from the Austrian Federal Government.
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