How to optimise energy-efficiency when you live in a flat 

Want to start saving immediately without making major renovations or investments? There are actually quite a few things you can already change in your flat right now.

Many devices consume electricity even when not in use – your TV, Wi-Fi modem, coffee machine or game console, for example. You could, of course, unplug them one by one when you no longer need them, but there’s also an easier solution:
 

• use a power strip with a switch. All it takes is one click to switch off multiple devices, avoiding them consuming electricity when in stand-by mode.
• Use smart plugs that measure your consumption and switch off automatically when left on for too long.
• Opt for energy-efficient devices when you buy something new. Pay attention to the energy rating: A+++ is not just any rating.

• Replace old light bulbs with LED bulbs – they last longer and consume up to 90% less energy.
• Install dimmers to adjust the lighting intensity according to your mood and the time of day while also saving electricity.
• Use motion sensors in hallways, stairwells or storage rooms. Since the light only comes on when needed, you won’t forget to turn it off.

Did you know the average LED lifespan is around 15 000 hours? That’s ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.  

A well-adjusted heating system makes a significant difference to your comfort and your energy bill.
 

• Set your thermostat. Even setting it one degree lower reduces your consumption by 7%. But how low can you go? The ideal indoor temperature is between 19°C and 20°C, or even 16°C in your bedroom.
• Stick radiator foil behind the radiator. This reflects heat back into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the walls.
• Draught strips on windows and doors help keep cold air out.

Hot water consumes energy. Consuming less means double the savings. You can probably guess what’s coming next: try taking shorter showers – 5 to 10 minutes is ideal.

If you’d rather take a little longer in the shower, here are some other minor adjustments you can make to save energy:

• Replace your shower head with a water-saving version. These mix air with the water, allowing you to consume less without compromising on comfort.
• Turn your boiler temperature down; it’s often higher than it needs to be. A good temperature to prevent bacterial growth while still reducing your energy consumption is 60 degrees.
  

Did you know that a water-saving shower head uses up to 50% less water? You’ll surely see your water and energy bills go down.

If you’re in no hurry and want to make changes that you can enjoy in the long term, it’s still possible to make certain decisions and carry out renovation work without your co-owners’ permission.

A good place to start is to request your EPC to find out how energy-efficient your flat actually is. This certificate is also handy for identifying areas for improvement. Did you know that you can change your EPC rating after carrying out energy-efficient renovations? You should therefore make sure to request a new certificate*.

*KBC works with Immoscoop for this valuation.

Join the ‘Switch Together’ energy group buying scheme. Suppliers bid against each other to offer you the best energy deal.

• You get a personalised proposal that gives you an immediate idea of what you’ll save.
• ‘Switch Together’ will arrange your switch for you. All you need to do is decide whether to sign the proposal.
• You can do this alone or together with your co-owners.

• Replace your windows. Single-glazed or old windows let out a lot of heat. New windows with high-efficiency glass keep the cold out and the heat in.
• Install solar panels on your section of the roof. If you live on the top floor and own part of the roof, you can have solar panels installed on that part of the roof. This will allow you to generate your own electricity and reduce your consumption.

While you can carry out many changes yourself, some require working with the other flat owners in your building:

• Installing roof and wall insulation. A well-insulated building loses less heat, which means lower costs for everyone. Cavity wall insulation or façade insulation are ideal for a block of flats.
• Solar panels on the communal roof can supply electricity for the communal areas of the building. You can also distribute the solar panels so that each flat generates its own electricity.
• Combine solar panels with a home battery to save even more.
• It’s also possible to install a heat pump in a flat, but you usually need to ask the co-owners for permission for this as the unit is mounted to the external wall and therefore changes the appearance of your building.

As you can see, there are plenty of changes you can make to reduce your energy consumption when you live in a flat. Whether you rent or own the flat or you need to involve your co-owners in the decision-making process, you always have options. So pick your course of action, talk about it with your owners’ association or co-owners and discover the possibilities.

Remember, borrowing money also costs money. 

Legal information

Loan type: Instalment loan. Lender: KBC Bank NV – Havenlaan 2 – 1080 Brussels – VAT BE 0462.920.226 – RLP Brussels Subject to your loan application being approved by KBC Bank NV and mutual agreement.