Electricity… we can’t live without it, yet the price of comfort can be too high. Knowing some energy saving tips may spare funds that you can spend on exploring museums, hiking routes, and local stores. Learn how to save money on electricity in this article.
How to save money on electricity while renting
How to save on transfers back home
How to save money on electricity if you’re an owner
FAQ—how to save money on electricity
How to save money on electricity while renting
More tips before we start:
- How to save on your gas bills as an expat in the EU.
- How to save money on groceries.
- How to save money on utilities without losing up on comfort.
Most expats decide to rent a property first instead of buying it. While flexible, this option puts some limitations on what you can do in the flat. But still, there are ways to save on electricity when you’re not a landlord.
Unplug appliances to save power
We're sure you're already unplugging laptops and phones when they are charged, but what about microwaves, printers, and washing machines? Even if they are energy efficient appliances, the amount of electricity consumed in standby mode can reach cosmic proportions.
Let's assume you do laundry once a week, there is no reason to leave the machine plugged in for 6 days, so switch it off and save on electricity bills by reducing standby power.
Tip for expats: If you live with flatmates, create a common schedule. For example, you can all do laundry on Sundays and save on electricity during the weekdays together.
Do laundry smarter
Let’s continue with washing our clothes. To reduce electricity bills and spare funds for entertainment and shopping, follow this energy saving checklist:
- Select low temperature; boiling water ‘eats’ electricity. Don’t worry, your clothes will be clean, maybe even cleaner than when washed in the hot water.
- Run a full load only. If you live with someone, you can ask them to wash your clothes together.
- Find the best time to use electricity. Ask the landlord about a company that is in charge of electricity in your house. Then, check if there are certain time slots of an extra charge. If there are, avoid doing the laundry during these peak hours.
- Air dry. An electric dryer in your flat is convenient but can cost you a lot. To save on electric bills, put your clothes outside or keep them on a traditional dryer in a room. It’ll take more time, but that’s how to save money on electricity if you live abroad and don’t own a flat.
Also, you can talk to your landlord about energy saving tips and ask him or her to buy energy efficient appliances. Maybe, they’ll agree to install a home energy management system to monitor the consumption. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, as this is an investment that will pay off to the landlord in the future.
And if you want to negotiate a higher salary in Europe, read this article.
Close curtains and doors
This stands among the easiest energy saving tips.
- Close curtains during cold months so cold air doesn’t enter the room.
- Close curtains during the hottest hours of summer to cool the room without using AC.
- Block doors’ draughts to stop cool/warm air from leaking.
Since your ways to save on electricity as an expat are limited, following these small tricks can help you save on electricity without sacrificing comfort.
LED and CFL to the rescue
One of the ways to save on electricity is to switch to efficient lighting options—LED or CFL bulbs. They won't cost much to replace, and once you do, you’ll significantly reduce electricity bills because these bulbs are more efficient and last longer.
Adjust your habits and talk to flatmates
To save on electricity bills, the key tip is to change your daily routine and explain to other tenants why they should, too.
Check these energy-saving habits:
- Take shorter showers and switch off the water while brushing your teeth.
- Rely on natural lightning more. Most of the time, you don't need lamps until evening, so why turn them on?
- Store your food in the refrigerator and use a microwave instead of cooking everyday from scratch.
- Defrost naturally; put the frozen food outside for several hours before cooking.
There are even more energy saving tips that help expats to save on electricity. Start with this proven advice and search for extra tricks if needed.
How to save on transfers back home
Let’s take a break from exploring the ways to save on electricity and think about your loved ones back home. To support them from abroad, you can send funds to help them pay their utility bills or buy treats. Do it without overspending with Profee:
- Little to no fees;
- Unmatched exchange rates;
- No hidden fees—what you see is what you get;
- Send from anywhere with your phone;
- Spend several minutes, and you’re good to go;
- Money is credited directly to the recipient’s account.
Read more about supporting your family cost-effectively on profee.com.
Now, let’s get back to finding out how to save money on electricity.
How to save money on electricity if you’re an owner
Property owners have more flexibility yet more concerns about flat/house conditions. Here’s what you can do to reduce electricity bills in a secure way.
- Buy energy efficient appliances. Just search ‘Buy energy efficient appliances’, and you’ll see plenty of options available. There are whole guides on this topic, so you won’t be lost.
- Integrate a home energy management system. It'll monitor your consumption, remotely control devices, and optimize your usage—sustainable expat living at its finest.
- Request energy audits for homes. Let the professional share some energy saving tips with you. They definitely know how to save money on electricity in your exact situation.
- Don’t miss a financial bonus. In some locations, the government may give tax credits and financial incentives when you upgrade your house with energy-efficient devices.
- Discover solar energy. Join community programmes or search for companies that provide solar panels for expats. They are reducing carbon footprint and your costs of electricity bills. +100 karma points for helping the planet and +X money on your account. Sounds like a great deal.
- Use smart plugs and timers. These small devices let you schedule when appliances turn on and off, helping you avoid wasting electricity when you’re not home. Perfect for heaters, lights, or chargers that don’t need to run all day.
- Rearrange your furniture for better airflow and light. Placing furniture to maximize natural sunlight can reduce the need for electric lighting during the day. Similarly, keeping vents and radiators unblocked improves heating and cooling efficiency, meaning less work for your HVAC system—and lower energy costs. It's a design tweak with real financial impact.
For more budget tips, read:
FAQ — how to save money on electricity
How do I know if my appliances are energy efficient?
Look for the energy label. In Europe, appliances are rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). You can also check the energy consumption details on the product description or compare models online before buying.
What is a home energy management system?
HEMS is a system designed to optimize your energy consumption. It’s a software solution accessible via Wi-Fi that connects various household devices, allowing you to monitor and control them remotely. Think of it as a smart house solution.
What is the average electricity cost in Europe?
In the second half of 2024 it was 0.1899 EUR per KWh. You can read a detailed study about electricity prices in Europe in this report.
What are the key tips for lowering electric costs for tenats?
Electricity bill reduction tips include:
- Doing laundry smartly;
- Close doors and curtains;
- Use oven less;
- Buying smart thermostats for expats;
- Switching to LED and CFL bulbs;
- Unplugging devices when they are not in use;
- Growing energy-saving habits in yourself.
- Talking to the landlord about finding green energy solutions and buying power-saving devices.
What are the best appliances for saving energy?
If you’re not sure what to buy first, here’s a list of the top 10 devices that must be efficient.
- Refrigerators;
- Washing machines;
- Dishwashers;
- Air conditioners;
- Light bulbs;
- Televisions;
- Computers and laptops;
- Hot water systems;
- Microwave ovens;
- Hydronic heating systems.
Search for electricity-friendly options for these appliances and spend less on bills.
Are there any government programs that support energy efficiency?
In many European countries, there are tax incentives, rebates, or grants for installing energy-efficient appliances, insulation, or renewable energy systems. Check your local government’s energy or environment department for current offers.
