In its “Saving tips for the poorest month of the year”, state-owned energy company Vattenfall suggests that Swedes take fewer showers, close the curtains and reduce the time they use their motor heaters.
According to Vattenfall’s Energitempen survey, conducted by social research company Kantar Sifo, one in three Swedes wants to learn more about how to reduce their energy consumption. At the same time, half of Swedes believe they have a good understanding of what measures are suitable for their household. The survey also shows that concern about high electricity prices has increased from 35% to 39% since September 2023.
Against this background, a number of measures to save electricity and money in January are justified. Vattenfall believes that 20 degrees is a good temperature indoors, but that it can be lower in storerooms, garages and rooms that are not used very often. It also recommends reducing the use of car heaters to two hours a day.
On cold days, Swedes should close curtains and blinds for extra insulation. They should also take fewer showers.
“If each person in a family of five reduces their shower time by one minute per day, the savings will be around 800 kWh per year”, the energy company writes.
Vattenfall also suggests changing window and door seals, lowering the temperature of underfloor heating and fixing dripping hot water taps.
