Household appliances account for a significant share of a home’s electricity use. Small changes in how you choose, use and maintain them can reduce energy consumption while helping protect valuable equipment from overheating, moisture, voltage problems and premature wear.

These recommendations are suitable for everyday use in Swiss homes. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and contact a qualified electrician for electrical faults, damaged wiring or work on fixed installations.

1. Choose efficient appliances

When replacing an appliance, compare its energy label, estimated annual consumption, size and expected usage. An efficient appliance is not automatically the best choice if it is much larger than your household needs. Choosing the right capacity avoids paying to heat, cool or operate unused space.

Compare the annual energy consumption shown on the Swiss or applicable European energy label.
For refrigerators and freezers, select a suitable size and avoid placing them in direct sunlight or next to ovens and radiators.
Prefer durable products with readily available spare parts and clear maintenance instructions.

2. Reduce standby consumption safely

Many televisions, chargers, entertainment systems and office devices continue to use electricity when they appear to be switched off. Turn devices off fully when practical, or use a good-quality switched power strip for groups of compatible equipment.

Do not overload power strips, connect one power strip to another, or use extension leads as a permanent substitute for additional sockets. Keep adapters ventilated and replace any that become unusually hot, buzz, smell burnt or show damage.

3. Use washing machines and dishwashers efficiently

Run washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers with full, balanced loads rather than several small cycles. Avoid overloading, because this can reduce cleaning performance and strain the appliance.

Use eco programmes when they meet your needs; they often use less water and energy, although the cycle may take longer.
Wash clothes at lower temperatures when appropriate.
Air-dry laundry where possible. If using a tumble dryer, clean the filter after every cycle and ensure the ventilation path is clear.
Scrape food from dishes instead of rinsing them under running hot water, unless the appliance instructions require otherwise.
Clean dishwasher filters regularly and check that spray arms are not blocked.

4. Maintain refrigerators and freezers

A refrigerator or freezer works harder when heat cannot escape or when frost builds up. Leave adequate clearance around the appliance as specified by the manufacturer, keep ventilation openings clear and clean accessible condenser areas according to the instructions.

Check door seals by closing the door on a sheet of paper. If the paper slides out easily, the seal may need cleaning or replacement. Allow hot food to cool before refrigerating it, but do not leave perishable food at room temperature for extended periods. Defrost manual-defrost freezers when ice accumulation becomes significant.

5. Cook efficiently and safely

Use a pan that matches the hob zone and place a lid on it where suitable. This reduces cooking time and energy use. On an electric hob, switch the zone off shortly before cooking is complete and use the residual heat.

Keep ovens closed as much as possible and avoid preheating unless the recipe requires it. Clean heavy grease deposits, because they can affect performance and may increase fire risk. Never cover ventilation openings or use an appliance in a way that conflicts with its instructions.

6. Protect appliances from moisture and heat

Keep electrical appliances and connections away from sinks, baths, wet floors and condensation. Do not handle plugs or appliances with wet hands. In kitchens, make sure small appliances cannot fall into water and unplug them before cleaning.

Do not place heaters, kettles or other heat-producing equipment against curtains, cabinets or other combustible materials. Allow air to circulate around appliances and never cover ventilation slots.

7. Watch for warning signs

Stop using an appliance and unplug it, if safe to do so, if you notice a burning smell, smoke, sparks, repeated tripping, a damaged cable or plug, unusual noise, electric shocks or excessive heat. Do not open the appliance or attempt internal repairs unless you are qualified to do so.

If a circuit breaker or residual-current device trips repeatedly, do not keep resetting it. Disconnect non-essential appliances and arrange an inspection by a qualified electrician. Repeated tripping can indicate a fault, overload or insulation problem.

8. Use surge protection appropriately

Surge-protected power strips may help protect sensitive electronics from certain transient surges, but they are not a substitute for correctly designed household wiring, earthing or professional inspection. Replace a protector after a major surge or when its protection indicator shows a fault, following the manufacturer’s guidance.

For important equipment, ask a qualified professional whether additional protection is appropriate for your installation. Never modify a plug, fuse, socket or distribution board yourself.

9. Create a simple maintenance routine

Once or twice a year, review appliance condition and energy use. Clean filters, check seals, inspect visible cables and remove dust from accessible ventilation areas. Keep manuals, warranty information and service records together.

Replacing a worn seal, blocked filter or damaged lead early can prevent higher energy consumption and more serious damage. If an appliance is old, inefficient or repeatedly failing, compare the cost of repair with the energy savings and reliability of a modern replacement.

When to call a professional

Contact LDT Services or another qualified electrical professional for persistent circuit trips, damaged fixed wiring, overheating sockets, installation of new circuits, appliance connection work requiring changes to the electrical installation, or any fault you cannot identify safely. In an emergency involving smoke, fire or immediate danger, switch off power only if this can be done safely, leave the area and contact the appropriate emergency services.

Energy efficiency and equipment protection work best together: use the right appliance for the job, maintain it regularly, keep it dry and ventilated, and treat electrical warning signs seriously.

Practical Tips to Save Energy and Protect Your Appliances