Reduce Your Energy Costs: 15 Tips That Really Work in 2026
From small changes to smart investments — here is how to reduce your energy bills for the long term.
Energy costs in the Netherlands: an increasingly large expense
With energy prices rising, saving energy is more important than ever. The average energy bill in the Netherlands is over €200 a month. Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce it.
Free energy-saving tips
1. Turn the thermostat down by 1 degree
Turning it down by one degree saves 7% on your gas bill. Set the heating to 19°C instead of 21°C and put on a jumper.2. Take shorter showers
Showering for 5 minutes instead of 10 minutes saves up to €150 a year per person. Use a shower timer.3. Switch to LED lighting
An LED bulb uses 85% less energy than an incandescent bulb and lasts 25x longer. It pays for itself within a year.4. Do not leave appliances on standby
Appliances on standby cost an average of €60-100 a year. Use an extension lead with a switch.5. Wash at 30 degrees
Modern detergent works well at 30°C. You save up to 60% energy per wash compared with 60°C.Investments that quickly pay for themselves
6. Solar panels
Average payback period: 6-8 years. After that, you generate free electricity. Try our mortgage checker if you want to find out whether you can include solar panels in your mortgage financing.7. Insulation: the biggest saving
8. Hybrid heat pump
A hybrid heat pump reduces gas consumption by 50-60%. With the ISDE subsidy, the payback period is 5-7 years.9. HR++ glazing
Replacing double glazing with HR++ glazing saves 10-15% on heating costs.10. Smart thermostat
A Nest or Tado thermostat learns your routine and automatically optimises your heating. Saving: €100-200 a year.Another 5 energy-saving tips
11. Cook with a lid on the pan
Saves up to 60% energy when boiling water.12. Use a kettle
A kettle is more energy-efficient than heating water on the hob.13. Defrost your freezer regularly
A 5mm layer of ice increases energy consumption by 30%.14. Dry laundry outside or on a drying rack
The tumble dryer is one of the biggest energy users in the home.15. Compare energy suppliers
Switch annually using comparison websites. You could save hundreds of euros. Visit our comparison page for more information.Subsidies and schemes for saving energy
The Netherlands offers various subsidies:
How much can you save on energy costs?
You can use the money you save to build an emergency fund or invest it. Use our monthly expenses calculator to see how much you have left over.
Conclusion
Start with the free tips and invest gradually in bigger savings. Every euro you save on energy can go towards things you enjoy — or towards your future.
Read more money tips or browse our financial guides for more ways to save.
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