At Home
Energy Efficiency

By taking simple energy efficiency and energy saving measures at home, we can reduce both our energy consumption and our costs.
Reducing Türkiye’s dependence on imported energy and meeting energy needs from clean sources, so as to leave a liveable environment for future generations, are among the country’s main development priorities.

Small changes in our consumption habits can reduce energy use and benefit both our household budgets and the environment. Research shows that windows, walls, ceilings and floors can account for a significant proportion of heat loss in buildings without insulation. Thermal insulation, which reduces the amount of heat escaping from a building, is therefore the first and most important step towards saving energy. Electrical appliances and lighting also account for a significant share of daily household energy consumption. Electricity is used in homes by refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, lighting and other electrical appliances. A representative breakdown of household electricity consumption is as follows:

  • 30% Refrigerators and freezers
  • 12% Lighting
  • 9% Washing machines
  • 9% Heaters
  • 7% Televisions
  • 4% Dishwashers
  • 3% Tumble dryers
  • 26% Other uses

This distribution may vary depending on a range of factors. For example, where air conditioning is not used, electricity consumption for heating and cooling may be lower. Similarly, where an iron is used frequently, the share of electricity consumption under the “Other uses” category may be higher. There are simple measures that can be taken to reduce household energy consumption, both when purchasing appliances and during their daily use. These measures can help save energy without reducing comfort. Practical recommendations for different appliances and areas of use are provided below.
When purchasing

  • Check that the air conditioner bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the air conditioner has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the air conditioner on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Seek advice from a qualified specialist when selecting the capacity of the air conditioner and deciding where it will be installed. Many air conditioning companies provide this service free of charge.
  • Decide which type of air conditioner to purchase based on the recommendation of a qualified specialist.
  • Selecting the appropriate capacity is essential for efficient air conditioner use. A larger air conditioner is not necessarily better.
  • When purchasing an air conditioner that also provides heating, take into account the climate zone in which you live.
  • Consider the efficiency of the air conditioner. Choose energy efficient inverter models rather than models that operate using conventional on and off cycles.
  • Pay attention to the noise level and choose an appliance with a low noise rating.
  • The filters should be easy to remove for regular cleaning. Clean them at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer.
  • The remote control should be easy to use, the thermostat setting should be clearly visible, and the appliance should include a timer for automatic switching on and off.
  • When comparing similar air conditioners, choose the model with the highest efficiency.
  • Where the air conditioner will also be used for heating, choose a heat pump model capable of providing heat under the relevant outdoor conditions.

When using

  • When using your air conditioner in cooling mode, do not set it to an excessively low temperature. This will not cool the room more quickly. Select the highest temperature at which you feel comfortable. Under conditions in Türkiye, this is generally around 24°C. Every one degree reduction in the temperature setting can increase electricity consumption by 10%.
  • Do not set the fan speed higher than necessary.
  • On humid days, use the dehumidification mode.
  • On very hot days, use curtains, blinds and shutters to block solar heat and save energy.
  • Ensure that the air inlet and outlet of the indoor unit are not obstructed by curtains, furniture or other objects. The air inlet and outlet of the outdoor unit must also remain unobstructed.
  • Do not use the air conditioner for purposes for which it was not designed, such as drying items or heating or cooling food.
  • Cleaning the filters at the intervals specified in the user manual and arranging regular maintenance by an authorised service provider will extend the life of the appliance.
  • Use the timer to switch the air conditioner off automatically while the house is empty and to switch it on shortly before you return, so that the house is cool when you arrive.
When purchasing

  • Check that the extractor fan bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the extractor fan has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the extractor fan on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the extractor fan meets your needs.
  • Select an extractor fan with suitable extraction capacity based on the dimensions of your kitchen or the area in which it will be used.
  • Choose an extractor fan with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient model may have a higher purchase price, it will reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.
  • Before purchasing the extractor fan, check that the intended installation location is suitable. It should be installed 65 cm above the hob.
  • Check whether the extractor fan meets your needs depending on whether it will be used with an external duct or in recirculation mode.

When using

  • Clean or wash the filters at regular intervals.
  • When using a ducted extractor fan, install the ventilation ducts in accordance with the specified requirements so that extracted air can be discharged outdoors safely and the appliance can operate at its stated performance level. Select a duct that matches the outlet diameter and ensure that it is not bent or kinked.
When purchasing

  • Check that the oven bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the oven has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the oven on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the oven meets your needs.
  • Choose an oven with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient oven may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Position the oven away from flammable materials and environments.
  • Do not open the oven door unnecessarily while food is cooking.
  • Allow frozen food to thaw before cooking it in the oven.
  • Switch the oven off a few minutes before the end of the cooking time.
When purchasing

  • Check that the tumble dryer bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the tumble dryer has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the tumble dryer on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the tumble dryer meets your needs.
  • Choose a tumble dryer with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient model may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Before drying, spin the laundry thoroughly in the washing machine. A higher spin speed shortens the drying time and reduces energy consumption.
  • Do not exceed the recommended maximum load.
  • Clean the filters after every drying cycle.
  • Keep the room in which the appliance is located well ventilated while it is operating.
  • Dry similar types of fabric together.
  • Do not open the appliance door unnecessarily during the drying cycle.
When purchasing

  • Check that the tumble dryer bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the tumble dryer has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the tumble dryer on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the tumble dryer meets your needs.
  • Choose a tumble dryer with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient model may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Before drying, spin the laundry thoroughly in the washing machine. A higher spin speed shortens the drying time and reduces energy consumption.
  • Do not exceed the recommended maximum load.
  • Clean the filters after every drying cycle.
  • Keep the room in which the appliance is located well ventilated while it is operating.
  • Dry similar types of fabric together.
  • Do not open the appliance door unnecessarily during the drying cycle.
When purchasing

  • Check that the tumble dryer bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the tumble dryer has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the tumble dryer on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the tumble dryer meets your needs.
  • Choose a tumble dryer with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient model may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Before drying, spin the laundry thoroughly in the washing machine. A higher spin speed shortens the drying time and reduces energy consumption.
  • Do not exceed the recommended maximum load.
  • Clean the filters after every drying cycle.
  • Keep the room in which the appliance is located well ventilated while it is operating.
  • Dry similar types of fabric together.
  • Do not open the appliance door unnecessarily during the drying cycle.
When purchasing

  • Check that the washing machine bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the washing machine has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the washing machine on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the washing machine meets your needs.
  • Choose a washing machine with a higher energy efficiency class and lower water consumption. Although a more efficient washing machine may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and water and will therefore reduce energy and water costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Operate the washing machine with a full load without exceeding its capacity. As a practical guide, press down on the laundry and check that there is approximately one hand’s width of space between the laundry and the drum.
  • Save energy by washing lightly soiled laundry at lower temperatures.
  • Do not use too much detergent, as this can make washing less effective.
  • Where the laundry is lightly soiled or the load is small, select an economy or quick programme.
  • Do not use a prewash or high temperature setting for laundry that is not heavily soiled or stained.
  • Where the laundry will subsequently be dried in a tumble dryer, select the spin speed recommended for the washing programme.
When purchasing

  • Check that the dishwasher bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the dishwasher has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the dishwasher on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the dishwasher meets your needs.
  • Choose a dishwasher with a higher energy efficiency class and lower water consumption. Although a more efficient dishwasher may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and water and will therefore reduce energy and water costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Operate the dishwasher with a full load without exceeding its capacity.
  • When washing a small number of items, select an economy programme.
  • Remove large food residues from dishes before placing them in the machine.
  • Unless high temperature washing is necessary, select a lower temperature programme.
  • Use prewash programmes only when necessary.
  • When selecting a washing programme, follow the programme information provided in the appliance documentation.
  • Load dishes correctly so that the appliance can achieve the best possible washing and drying performance while using energy efficiently.
When purchasing

  • Check that the refrigerator bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the appliance is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the refrigerator has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the refrigerator on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the refrigerator meets your needs.
Choose a refrigerator with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient refrigerator may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Position the refrigerator away from heat sources such as ovens and radiators and protect it from direct sunlight.
  • Leave sufficient space behind and on both sides of the refrigerator.
  • Open the refrigerator doors as infrequently as possible and do not leave them open for long periods.
  • Remove unnecessary outer packaging from food before placing it in the refrigerator. The thicker the packaging, the more energy the refrigerator will use to keep the food cool.
  • Do not place hot food or drinks in the refrigerator. Otherwise, the appliance will need to operate for longer to remove the heat and will consume more energy.
  • Move frozen food from the freezer compartment to the refrigerator one day before it is required and allow it to thaw there.
  • Cover liquid foods. Otherwise, the humidity inside the refrigerator will increase and cause the appliance to work harder.
When purchasing

  • Check that the television bears the CE marking. This marking indicates that the television is safe and complies with the relevant legislation.
  • Check that the television has an energy label.
  • Verify that the brand and model information on the energy label corresponds to the television on which it is displayed.
  • Ensure that the appliance is supplied with the user manual and warranty certificate required under Law No. 6502 on Consumer Protection.
  • Make sure that the television meets your needs.
  • Choose a television with a higher energy efficiency class. Although a more efficient television may have a higher purchase price, it consumes less energy and will therefore reduce energy costs throughout its period of use.

When using

  • Electronic devices used at home, such as televisions, sound systems and computers, continue to consume electricity while in standby mode. According to the relevant legislation*, depending on screen size, this may amount to 5–7% of their annual electricity consumption in active mode. Do not leave electronic devices in standby mode when they are not being used. Switch them off using their power buttons and, where appropriate, unplug them from the socket.
  • Position the television so that direct sunlight does not fall on the front of the screen. Where possible, arrange the room so that light comes from behind the screen. This will allow you to use the television without increasing the contrast setting and will help save energy.
  • Although the power consumed in standby mode is relatively low, electronic devices left in this mode for long periods can consume a considerable amount of electricity.
  • Two compact fluorescent lamps consume as much energy as one LED lamp. LED lamps also have a longer service life.
  • Switch off lights in rooms that are not being used.
  • Choose lamps with adjustable light output. These lamps can help reduce electricity consumption.
  • Clean dust and dirt from lamps using a dry cloth. Replacing magnetic ballasts used in tubular fluorescent lamps with electronic ballasts can reduce ballast energy losses by approximately 30%.
  • In areas where more lighting is required, use a higher power lamp instead of several lower power lamps, where appropriate for the space.
  • Choose suitable, highly efficient light sources and luminaires that distribute light effectively. Maintain luminaires regularly.
  • Do not use lampshades that obstruct the transmission of light.
  • Concentrate lighting in areas where it is required for reading, working and safety. Reduce lighting in other areas and avoid creating excessively bright or dark spaces. Choose localised lighting instead of general lighting where appropriate.
  • Use lower power lamps for stairway lighting. In shared areas, choose lighting controlled by occupancy sensors.
  • Paint rooms in light colours to reduce the need for artificial lighting.
  • Avoid decorative lighting except on special occasions.
  • Make use of daylight instead of electric lighting during the day.
  • Replace conventional light switches with newer and more modern alternatives.
  • Controlling outdoor lighting can reduce energy consumption. Use timers or install motion sensors.
On average, operating a hair dryer for 15 minutes consumes the same amount of electricity as operating a 75 watt lamp for three hours.

When drying your hair:

• Dry your hair as thoroughly as possible with a towel before using a hair dryer.
• Use the lowest suitable temperature setting on the hair dryer.

Remember: reducing hair drying time by 10% can reduce energy consumption by 10%.
The vacuum cleaner is one of the electrical appliances most frequently used for household cleaning. Paying attention to energy efficiency when selecting and using a vacuum cleaner can reduce energy consumption by up to 10%.

• When selecting a vacuum cleaner, consider its electricity consumption and efficiency. Where different brands and models provide the same suction performance, choose the model with the lowest electrical power rating.
• Choose vacuum cleaners with water filtration systems instead of bagged models.
• Empty the vacuum cleaner bag frequently and replace it when full. This will improve suction performance and allow cleaning to be completed more efficiently and in less time.
• Clean the brushes and tubes to prevent loss of suction and replace them where necessary.
• Open the motor compartment at least once a year and remove accumulated dust and lint.
Although an iron is a small household appliance and may not appear to consume a great deal of energy, there are several important factors to consider when selecting one.

Choose an iron that:

• uses electricity efficiently;
• has a low rated power;
• has adjustable steam settings and a high steam capacity;
• has thermostat control and is suitable for use with tap water;
• has a self cleaning function for limescale;
• has a soleplate with a scratch resistant coating; and
• moves smoothly over fabric.
Selecting an iron with these characteristics is expected to deliver energy savings of at least 10%. Once you have chosen an appropriate iron, it is also important to use it correctly and efficiently.
• Hang clothes neatly before ironing. This will reduce the amount of energy required during ironing.
• Iron clothes while they are still slightly damp.
• Adjust the thermostat to the lowest suitable setting for the type of fabric.
Where water remains on the fabric in droplets, reduce the steam setting.
• Plan your ironing so that the appliance does not need to be reheated repeatedly.
• Unplug the iron a few minutes before finishing and use the remaining heat to iron the final garment. Saving five minutes of electricity use by a 1,500 watt iron is equivalent to operating a 15 watt lamp for eight hours without additional electricity consumption.
Benefits of Thermal Insulation

  • By reducing fuel consumption and the resulting waste gases, thermal insulation contributes to reducing environmental pollution and global warming.
  • Buildings with thermal insulation can use lower capacity combination boilers and smaller radiators. Investment in thermal insulation can therefore also reduce the cost of the heating system.
  • Thermal insulation helps prevent corrosion of the steel reinforcement within concrete and can therefore improve the building’s resistance to earthquakes.
  • Thermal insulation can reduce the energy used for household heating by 50%.

Simple Heating Measures

  • External wall insulation helps maintain more even indoor temperatures, improves living conditions, reduces the amount of energy required for heating and extends the life of the building. The cost of thermal insulation can pay for itself through energy savings within a relatively short period of three to five years.
  • Make greater use of solar heat by opening the curtains on windows that receive more sunlight.
  • Windows and doors account for approximately one quarter of heat loss from homes. Heat loss through single glazed windows accounts for around 20% of total heat loss from a building without insulation. Double glazing can reduce this loss by half.
  • Use sealing tape and foam strips to prevent air leakage around the edges of windows and doors.
  • Open curtains on sunny winter days and close them after sunset.
  • Do not use long curtains that obstruct heat flow from radiators. Closed and properly fitted curtains can reduce heat loss through windows by 25%.
  • Repair any cracks around door frames.
  • Heat from a radiator also warms the wall behind it. To reduce this heat loss, install thermal insulation panels covered with aluminium foil behind radiators.
  • When you are away from home for a holiday or for another reason, turn down or close the valves on heaters and radiators.
  • Do not place objects, such as marble shelves or laundry, in front of or on top of heaters and radiators.
  • Make sure that there are no water leaks from radiator connection pipes.
  • Switch off the heating while ventilating rooms.
  • Avoid drying laundry indoors during winter whenever possible.