WK Tirol initiative with tips from the professionals: save energy, but safely!
Exciting insights and interesting tips were provided by the skilled trades of the WK-Tirol. There is enormous potential for savings, especially in terms of room temperature. “You can wear a smart sweater at home just like a casual hoodie.” But the maintenance of the ovens and electrical appliances also contributes to the savings measures. Another important area is the economical use of water.
INNSBRUCK. The autumn weather is still showing its best side – but winter is approaching and with it the heating season. In view of the enormously increased prices for all energy sources, the question arises in many Tyrolean households as to how the costs can be kept as low as possible. They receive support from experts from Tyrolean trade and crafts.
“No one can currently say how prices will develop. The fact is, however, that there will continue to be increases, some of them massive. It is therefore important that everyone takes energy-saving measures in all areas within the scope of their own possibilities.”emphasizes Franz Jirka, chairman of the trades and crafts division and guild master of the Tyrolean chimney sweeps.
Significantly lower the room temperature
As a first measure, he recommends checking whether the selected room temperatures in the house and apartment are appropriate.
“Nowadays it is common practice to heat up to 24 degrees. That does not make sense. Especially when you have to wear a t-shirt and shorts because otherwise it would be too warm. If you regulate the room temperature to 20 to 21 degrees – as was usual in the past – you can save a lot of money.”so Jirka.
If you have the opportunity, you should adjust the room temperature to your needs. Living area between 20 and 22 degrees, kitchen 18 to 20, bathroom 23 and sleeping area between 16 and 18. When purchasing or putting additional ovens into operation to save energy, the expert advises particular caution: “Flawless functioning is essential be secured. Have the connection and the condition of the stove checked by the chimney sweep. This is the only way to guarantee safe and efficient operation.”
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Properly heat the tiled stove
Regular inspection is also essential for tiled stoves. “At least every five years, the tiled stove should be professionally cleaned and checked for possible damage,” says the guild master of the Tyrolean potters, Manfred Hoeber. It is also important to know why the stove is actually planned. “Each tiled stove has a special combustion chamber geometry that determines how best and most efficiently it can be heated.”
Hober recommends wood from the region as fuel, for example from the Tyrolean stove wood association. “Many local farmers offer cheap firewood from their own forests. It is important that it has been stored correctly and is accordingly dry. Logs with a length of 25 to 33 centimeters and a diameter of 10 centimeters are ideal. Layered and lit from above, they guarantee optimal and clean combustion.”like Hoeber. Information can be found here
Great water saving potential
As the guild master of the Tyrolean plumbers Veronica Opacher a multitude of ways to save energy in the home: “When it comes to heating, it is important that the heating technology is regularly serviced and properly adjusted. It is advisable to use the appropriate program for summer and winter operation as well as for night setback. Radiators should be bled regularly and no case should be covered by furniture or curtains.”
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Opbacher also sees a lot of savings potential when it comes to water. “There are now special fittings that use significantly less water than conventional ones. The same applies to flushing toilets.
While older models use around 9 liters per flush, the new dual-volume systems manage with 4.5 or 6 liters,” says the guild manager, who also recommends giving preference to the shower over the bathtub: “For a full bath will take an average of 150 liters of water. When showering, it is about 30 to 50 liters, depending on the duration.
That’s a huge difference.”
Put power guzzlers on a diet
There are also big differences in the energy efficiency of household appliances.
“If you have old refrigerators, freezers and in operation, you should certainly consider replacing these power guzzlers with modern, energy-saving devices”stressed Helmut BrennerGuild master of the Tyrolean electrical engineers.
In this context, he also advises against a well-known use of convection ovens, oil radiators and similar heating sources. “These devices usually need a relatively large amount of electricity. If they are used anyway, it is essential to check whether the electrical systems are working properly and are appropriately off.”
vocation
Finally, division chairman Franz Jirka adapted himself with an appeal to the Tyroleans: “The Tyrolean chimney sweeps, stove fitters, installers and electrical engineers are real professionals when it comes to using energy efficiently. If you have specific questions about measures to save energy and resources without neglecting important safety aspects, please contact a master company in your area.