Is it possible to reduce electricity consumption without replacing all appliances? A new 2026 experiment
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Sometimes, when talking about lower electricity bills, we immediately think of a new refrigerator, a washing machine, LED lighting, or a smart home system.
However, a new 2026 scientific experiment points to something simpler: a great deal depends not only on the device we have, but also on how we use it.
This is the first article in the new KamOk column, "Science for Everyday Life." In this column, we will look at new scientific research and try to understand one thing: what does it all mean for an ordinary person in their home?
A 24-week experiment with real electricity consumption
On September 3, 2026, a study was published in the journal "Scientific Reports" involving 140 student households. The experiment lasted 24 weeks.
The researchers tested two different strategies. The first group received information about their electricity consumption and could compare it with the consumption of other households. The second group received short, specific tips for individual devices. There was also a control group that did not receive such interventions.
What happened?
Both interventions helped reduce electricity consumption compared to the trend of the control group. Throughout the experiment, the researchers estimated about 7 MWh of avoided electricity consumption.
An important detail: the study period coincided with a seasonal increase in electricity consumption, so the result more accurately means that the interventions slowed down the seasonal increase compared to the control group, rather than necessarily meaning that consumption absolutely decreased in every single household.
The impact was more pronounced among participants who used more electricity before the experiment. The study was conducted on a specific group of student households in Stockholm, so the results cannot be mechanically transferred to every Lithuanian home.
However, it demonstrates something very important: information, habits, and technology work together.
A new device does not necessarily solve an old habit
We can buy the most efficient washing machine, but its actual energy and water consumption will still depend on the selected program, the amount of laundry, and the operating conditions.
In a 2026 paper published in "Scientific Data" about the use of washing machines and dryers, researchers also emphasize that actual energy and water consumption strongly depends on user behavior and operating conditions.
Therefore, when choosing equipment, it is worth asking not only "What is the energy class?" but also: "How will I actually use this item?"
5 things worth checking in your home
1. Washing machine
Check if you often run a nearly empty washing machine. If the type of clothing and the manufacturer's instructions allow it, it is worth using economical programs and washing with a rationally filled drum without overloading it.
When buying a new washing machine, it is worth evaluating not only the price but also the energy class, capacity, and whether the capacity meets your family's needs. At KamOk, you can look at, for example, the HEINNER 10 kg washing machine and compare its characteristics with your needs.
2. Refrigerator and freezer
Refrigeration equipment runs 24 hours a day. Therefore, it is worth periodically checking the temperature settings, door seals, and, if the specific model requires it, any accumulated ice. Here, small things add up 24 hours a day.
3. Lighting
LED technology allows for a lot of light using relatively low power. Smart lighting adds another option – setting the time, brightness, or lighting mode to reduce situations where the light is simply left on.
In the KamOk LUMO smart lighting section, you will find Wi‑Fi light bulbs and smart fixtures.
4. Smart home
A smart device is not useful just because it can be connected to a phone. A good smart solution should perform a specific task: automatically turn off what is not needed, control lighting, facilitate routines, provide useful information, or save a person time.
At KamOk, you can start with VOLTARA for homes and smart living or the separate Xiaomi ecosystem.
5. Before buying – calculate usage, not just price
A cheaper device is not necessarily the cheapest over its entire lifetime. However, the most expensive model is not automatically the best either.
You need to look at the whole picture: purchase price + frequency of use + energy costs + features you will actually use.
What can you look at in KamOk?
The goal of this article is not to say that you need to buy new equipment because of one study. On the contrary – first, it is worth understanding your needs.
If it turns out afterward that it is time to replace an old device or you want to automate your home, at KamOk you can start in a few areas:
- LUMO smart lighting – Wi‑Fi LED bulbs, dimmable lights, and other smart lighting solutions.
- HEINNER home appliances – an example to start with when comparing energy class, capacity, and features.
- VOLTARA smart home – smart devices and solutions for the home.
- Xiaomi ecosystem – interconnected smart devices.
The most important thing is not to buy as much technology as possible. The most important thing is to choose those that solve a real problem.
And what should we research next time?
We want to create "Science for Everyday Life" not based on what is convenient to advertise on KamOk, but on what is genuinely interesting to people.
- Light and sleep. What do the latest studies say about evening light, color temperature, and our biological clock?
- Energy and home appliances. Which energy-saving tips have a scientific basis, and which are just myths?
- Smart homes. Where does technology actually help, and where are we just paying for the word "smart"?
- Pets. What do new studies say about dog and cat nutrition, weight, and daily care?
Write your choice on the KamOk Facebook or Instagram account. We will check the scientific sources, see what related products are available at KamOk, and prepare the next "Science for Everyday Life" study.