Staff Reporter
As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, now’s a great time to take advantage of the milder spring weather to make your home more energy efficient. Even small tweaks to your routine can lead to meaningful savings—both for your wallet and the environment.
Did you know that adjusting your thermostat by just 1°C can reduce heating or cooling costs by around 7%? And the idea that it’s cheaper to leave the lights on than to switch them off? That’s a myth. Whatever type of light bulb you use, switching off always saves energy.
With energy prices remaining high across Europe—and following the recent blackout that affected all of Spain and Portugal—this spring is the perfect time to adopt smarter habits and make your home more resilient and efficient ahead of the warmer months. Generali Expatriates brings you practical tips to help you enjoy a comfortable, energy-efficient home in Spain.
Cooler home, lower bills
Cooling is one of the biggest energy expenses in Spain—especially as we head into summer. To stay comfortable without overusing the air conditioning, consider setting your unit to 26°C or higher. It’s also worth letting in fresh air by opening windows during the cooler hours of early morning or late evening. Make sure your system is running efficiently by cleaning filters regularly and scheduling maintenance when needed. If you haven’t already, installing a smart thermostat can help you avoid unnecessary cooling and cut energy use by up to 13%.
Seal the cool in
Insulating your home isn’t just a winter job—good insulation also helps keep your home cooler when it’s hot outside. Check for draughts around doors and windows, and seal any gaps where warm air might sneak in. If you’re planning home improvements, upgrading to high-quality insulation and double glazing can make a noticeable difference in comfort and energy use all year round.
Save on hot water
Hot water is another major source of household energy consumption, but small adjustments can make a big impact. Reducing your boiler temperature to around 50–55°C is usually enough for everyday use and can help save energy. When it comes to laundry, most cycles can be done with cold water. And don’t forget to run dishwashers and washing machines only when they’re full—you’ll save both water and electricity.
Choose smarter appliances
Spring is a great time to reassess your household appliances. If you’re planning to replace any, look for models with an energy efficiency rating of A or above. Older appliances can quietly increase your energy bills, so upgrading can be a smart long-term investment. Also, keep in mind that many electronic devices continue to draw power even when turned off. Unplugging them—or using smart plugs—can help eliminate this “phantom load”.
Let the sunshine in
With the days getting longer, natural light becomes a valuable energy-saving ally. Open curtains and turn off electric lights when the sun’s out. If you haven’t yet made the switch to LEDs, it’s a worthwhile move—they use up to 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer.
Think solar
With over 300 sunny days a year, Spain is one of the best places in Europe to take advantage of solar energy. Installing photovoltaic panels can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills. There are also financial incentives available in many regions to help make the transition more affordable. For added versatility, consider installing a heat pump—these energy-efficient systems can keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
Generali Expatriates: Protecting your energy smart home
While you’re making your home more energy efficient, it’s important to make sure it’s well protected. Generali Expatriates offers comprehensive home insurance tailored for expatriates living in Spain. From protecting your energy-efficient appliances to covering unexpected incidents, Generali Expatriates provides peace of mind.
For a quote or to find your nearest broker, visit www.generaliexpatriates.es or call 91 342 25 49.
