22 Tips from IKEA for Home Ecology and Budget Saving

IKEA has launched a project focused on caring for the environment. Take a look at the tips experts offer to reduce water and electricity consumption, as well as conserve resources.

How to reduce energy consumption? Ensure windows and doors do not let cold air in.

When ventilating your apartment, do not leave windows open for long. It is better to use energy-saving curtains: they retain heat in winter and coolness in summer, meaning you won't need to use a heater or air conditioner as often.

IKEA specialists assure that by closing curtains every evening, you can reduce heat loss through windows by approximately 10%.

Choose LED bulbs

They consume 85% less electricity and last 20 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Use dimmer switches

These not only save energy but also add warmth to your home.

Replace your regular stove with an induction cooktop

As is well known, electric stoves consume a lot of electricity. Therefore, more and more people are choosing induction cooktops.

Be mindful while cooking

If you cover a pot or pan with a lid, food will cook faster. You can finish cooking using residual heat from the stove or oven after it's switched off. The exhaust fan should also only be turned on when necessary.

Use the dishwasher less frequently

Only run it when fully loaded. Turn off the drying cycle: just slightly open the door after washing dishes.

Wipe down your refrigerator

Dust accumulates on its back wall, causing the fridge to heat up and consume more energy to function.

Thaw food in the refrigerator

This way, they will release their cold and help reduce energy consumption.

Use the washing machine less frequently

Similarly to the dishwasher, only run it when fully loaded. Choose energy-saving programs at 30 degrees Celsius.

Dry clothes on the balcony or at home using a clothesline

If there is no other option, reduce the spin speed in the machine to 500 RPM.

Unplug devices when not in use

Devices in standby mode consume up to 10% of total energy consumption. By the same token, it is not advisable to leave chargers plugged into sockets.

Replace worn-out taps

Up to 500 kWh per year can be saved on hot water heating from a dripping tap. Reducing shower time to five minutes can save an additional 500 kWh.

How to reduce water consumption? Do not waste water

According to statistics, you can save up to 40 liters of water per day by turning off the tap while brushing teeth.

If you have multiple children, wash them together in one bathtub.

Use faucets with water-saving features

A flow regulator helps reduce water pressure, and the difference is barely noticeable. Nevertheless, you can save up to 30% of water and energy.

Do not rinse burnt-on food under running water

Fill a dish with a small amount of water and let it sit for some time. This makes cleaning easier.

Take shorter baths

A bathtub requires 150 liters of water, while a quick shower only needs 40 liters. You can save up to 40 cubic meters per year.

Reuse water

Fill a bowl with water to wash fruits. Then use it for watering indoor plants. Instead of waiting for cold water to run through before hot water comes out, collect it in a bucket and use it for household purposes.

How else can you help the planet? Sort your waste

You can do this at home: buy special containers for sorting.

Donate items for recycling

The list of recyclable materials can be found here. There is also a nationwide map of waste collection points.

Use dishes made from recycled materials

And biodegradable plastic.

Reuse items

Do not throw away old furniture or clothes that can be repaired.

Plant a mini garden

Many vegetables and fruits can be grown at home instead of bought from stores. These can also be donated to food charities.