Save energy safely

Saving energy is a particularly important issue now in the autumn and later in the winter. It benefits us all as individuals but also our society as a whole. Do your share and save energy safely. Below you can find some useful tips.

Saving energy is a particularly important issue now in the autumn and later in the winter. It benefits us all as individuals but also our society as a whole. It reduces the risks related to the availability of energy and affects the security of supply as well as personal and national finances. Do your share and save energy safely. Below you can find some useful tips.

Fireplaces and candles

If you have a fireplace in your home, make sure to have the fireplace and its flues swept regularly. Wood burns more efficiently, safely and cleanly in a properly swept fireplace. Only use clean firewood. Do not burn treated wood or trash, such as cardboard packages, in the fireplace. This will help reduce the number of harmful particles in the air. Read more on the nuohoojat.fi website (in Finnish).

Do not store firewood next to the wall of a residential building or under the eaves, as this increases the risk of fire and may damage the wall structures. Further instructions on how to store firewood (nuohoojat.fi) (in Finnish)

If you light candles, place them on a non-flammable and steady surface. Make sure that there are no flammable items above or near the candles. Never leave burning candles unattended and always put them out before leaving the room. LED candles are a safe way to create a pleasant atmosphere. Read more: Candles in the house and outdoors (pelastustoimi.fi) 

Gas heaters

If you use a liquefied petroleum gas heater, make sure that you use it as instructed and have it properly maintained. It makes sense to have a carbon monoxide detector if you use a gas heater. Please note that outdoor heaters cannot be used indoors. Read more on the website of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) (in Finnish).

Transport and storage of liquid fuels 

Please note that not all containers are suitable for storing liquid fuels; for example petrol can corrode and melt plastic. Read more about the safe transport and storage of liquid fuels: Instructions on the safe transport and storage of liquid fuels (pelastuslaitokset.fi).pdf (in Finnish)

Home temperature

Do not go overboard when lowering the temperature in your home. You will save energy even if you only lower the temperature by a few degrees. Lowering the temperature too much may cause moisture problems in your building (the general guideline is to keep the temperature at a minimum of 18 °C). You should keep the underfloor heating on in wet spaces to avoid moisture damage. Ventilation ensures good air quality and moisture removal and should not be completely shut off. The temperature of domestic water should be kept at a level that prevents harmful bacteria from multiplying (cold water below 20 °C, hot water always at least 55 °C). Read more: 5 things to avoid when saving energy at home (yle.fi) (in Finnish)

You should avoid using electrical appliances at night, as the appliance may break down and cause water damage or a fire. If an appliance breaks down during the night, it may take some time before anyone notices it, which may lead to significant damage. The most important energy savings at home can be achieved by lowering the room temperature and reducing the use of hot water. Therefore, you should not take unnecessary risks by leaving appliances running unattended overnight. You can also save energy by not keeping the front door of your home or the doors of refrigeration appliances open for too long. You should only keep the oven or the sauna heated while they are being actively used. Tips on how to save energy at home: Save energy at home | Martat (in Finnish)

How to prepare for power outages

For instructions on how to prepare for power outages, visit the 72 hours website.

Do you have a home emergency supply kit, i.e. food, water, medicines and other daily supplies for three days for the whole family? Read the 72-hour home emergency kit brochure.