Tips and recommendations

Here are some simple ways to reduce energy consumption in buildings and save money

1. Optimization of ventilation and heating systems

• Demand-controlled ventilation:
  Install ventilation systems with heat recovery and demand control to ensure that only the necessary ventilation is used, reducing both energy consumption and costs.
• Heat recovery system (FTX):
  Install FTX systems (supply and exhaust ventilation with heat recovery) to reuse heat from outgoing air.
• Heating system regulation:
  Adjust the heating system to maintain a stable indoor temperature. Modern systems can automatically adapt to outdoor conditions.

2. Insulation and airtightness

• Additional insulation:
  Improve insulation in the attic, facade, or basement to reduce heat loss, especially in older buildings.
• Sealing windows and doors:
  Install weatherstripping or consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows with low U-values. Drafty windows release significant heat, and sealing them is a cost-effective solution.

3. Solar panels and renewable energy

• Solar panel installation:
  Use solar energy by installing solar panels on roofs or facades to reduce electricity consumption in common areas.
• Solar heating systems:
  Solar collectors can be used to heat water, reducing reliance on traditional heating sources.

4. Common area lighting improvements

• LED lighting in shared spaces:
  Replace bulbs with LED lights in stairwells, basements, and other common areas, as they use significantly less energy and last longer.
• Motion sensors and timers:
  Install motion sensors and timers in stairwells, basements, and laundry rooms to avoid unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied.

5. Water consumption optimization

• Water-saving fixtures:
  Install low-flow faucets and showerheads in apartments and common areas such as laundry rooms to reduce water usage and heating costs.
• Descaling water heaters:
  Regularly descale water heaters to improve efficiency. Limescale buildup reduces heat transfer and increases energy consumption.

6. Energy-efficient laundry rooms

• Modern washing machines and drying cabinets:
  Upgrade to energy-efficient machines with high spin speeds to reduce drying time.
• Air-drying options:
  Install drying racks in laundry rooms to reduce reliance on energy-intensive dryers.

7. Digital meters for individual consumption tracking

• Individual electricity and water metering:
  Install separate meters for electricity and water in apartments to encourage residents to monitor and reduce their consumption.
• Consumption visualization:
  Provide digital tools or apps to help residents track their electricity and water usage, increasing awareness.

By implementing these measures, multi-family buildings can reduce environmental impact and energy costs while maintaining or improving comfort for residents.

Here are some simple ways to reduce household energy consumption and save money:

Efficient showering

• Shorter showers:
  Reduce shower time and take fewer hot baths when possible.
• Low-flow showerheads:
  Switch to a water-saving showerhead that reduces water flow.

Smarter lighting

• Switch to LED bulbs:
  LED bulbs are significantly more energy-efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs.
• Turn off unnecessary lights:
  Use light sensors, motion detectors, or timers to automatically turn off lights when a room is unoccupied.
• Dusk sensors for outdoor lighting:
  Install dusk sensors to prevent outdoor lights from being on unnecessarily.
• Savings:
  A well-planned lighting strategy can save up to 1,500 SEK per year.

Optimal indoor temperature

• Lower the temperature by 1 degree:
  Reducing the temperature by one degree can lower heating costs by approximately 5%.
• Ensure proper airflow around radiators:
  Move furniture that blocks heat from radiators.
• Savings:
  Lowering the temperature by one degree can save up to 750 SEK per year.

Turn off unnecessary appliances

• Avoid standby mode:
  Use power strips with switches to easily turn off TVs, computers, and chargers when not in use.

Efficient dishwashing and laundry

• Run full loads:
  Use the dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded and choose low-temperature settings.
• High spin speed for washing machines:
  A higher spin speed reduces drying time and energy consumption.
• Avoid the tumble dryer:
  Air-dry clothes whenever possible, as tumble dryers consume a lot of energy and wear out clothes faster.

These tips are easy to implement and make a significant difference for both the environment and household budgets!