22 IKEA Tips for Home Ecology and Budget Saving

IKEA has launched a project focused on environmental care. 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 that windows and doors do not let cold air in.

When ventilating your apartment, don't leave windows open for long. It's 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 the 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 the regular stove with an induction cooktop

It is well known that electric stoves consume a large amount of electricity. Therefore, more and more people are choosing induction cooktops.

Be attentive 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 turned off. The exhaust fan should also only be used when necessary.

Use the dishwasher less frequently

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

Wipe down the refrigerator

Dust accumulates on its back wall, causing it to heat up and consume more energy for operation.

Thaw food in the refrigerator

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

Use the washing machine less frequently

Similar to the dishwasher, only wash when fully loaded. Choose energy-saving programs at 30 degrees.

Dry clothes on the balcony or at home

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

Unplug devices when not in use

Devices in standby mode can consume up to 10% of total energy consumption. Also, it's best not to leave chargers plugged into outlets for the same reason.

Replace worn-out faucets

Up to 500 kWh per year is wasted on heating water from dripping taps. Cutting shower time to five minutes can save another 500 kWh.

How to reduce water consumption? Don't waste water unnecessarily

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 you won't notice the difference. Nevertheless, you can save up to 30% water and energy.

Don't rinse burnt-on food under running water

Fill a dish with some water and let it sit for a while. This makes cleaning easier.

Take baths less frequently

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

Reuse water

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

How else can you help the planet? Sort waste

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

Donate items for recycling

See the list of recyclable materials here. There is also a nationwide map of waste collection points.

Use dishes made from recycled materials

And biodegradable plastic.

Reuse items

Don't 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 in stores. These can also be donated to food charities.