According to the Federal Environment Agency, approximately 150,000 air conditioners are purchased each year. Especially in summer and when temperatures rise, a cool apartment is tempting, but this results in a sharp increase in electricity consumption. However, the energy consumption and thus also the costs are disproportionate to the cooling effect. An apartment can be kept cool even without air conditioners. The following tips will show you how:

• As a rule, only ventilate your home at night and in the early morning, preferably by creating a draught.

• Keep the windows closed during the day so that warm air cannot enter.

• During the day, darken the windows with light-tight awnings, curtains, blinds made of light-colored or metal-coated material, or shutters; this prevents the sun from shining into the rooms and contributing to the heat.

• If possible, switch off all heat sources, such as appliances in standby mode or lamps with old light bulbs.

• Do not dry laundry in your home, as this increases the humidity in the room and makes it feel more humid.

• If it does get too hot in your home, use a fan—it consumes significantly less electricity than an air conditioner.

• In general, good building insulation and modern windows keep your home cool in summer because they block out the heat.

• Before going to sleep in high temperatures, a cool shower is recommended. Do not dry off completely, but allow the moisture to evaporate slowly – this will cool your body down.

• And no, the refrigerator does not have to run at the highest setting in hot weather. Six to eight degrees Celsius is perfectly adequate for keeping food fresh.