Energy saving
Reducing household energy use, step by step
Most reductions start with measuring where energy goes. These guides explain how to spot baseline heating and standby draw, and which simple adjustments to make before any major investment.
Method
A practical audit in four steps
01
List the appliances
Note each appliance's rated power and typical hours of use. Standby consumption often appears here, from set-top boxes, chargers, and older kitchen equipment.
02
Measure standby draw
A plug-in meter shows what devices consume while switched off. Unplug or switch off outlets that show a steady draw without a clear reason.
03
Review the heating curve
Check the schedule and temperature set-points for each zone. Lowering settings during unoccupied hours is one of the most common adjustments.
04
Plan low-cost changes first
Adjust ventilation habits, seal visible draughts, and review hot water temperature before considering equipment or building works.
Operating benchmarks
Check domestic hot water and indoor temperature settings against current official guidance and your own usage records, then record the date of each change.
Settings depend on the building, equipment, and occupants. Verify any figure against official French sources before applying it, and note the validity date.