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The refrigerator is often responsible for high power consumption. With a high-quality device, you can save a lot of energy in the long term and reduce CO2 emissions. But when is a new device due?

The electricity consumption of refrigerators and freezers

There is a perception that a refrigerator needs a new model every 10 to 15 years. But that’s not necessarily true. If the old refrigerator is an energy-saving model, it can still have acceptable consumption values today – especially if you operate it in a cool location.

In any case, it is advisable to get to the bottom of the energy consumption with a power meter. Basically, modern, efficient compressors get by with significantly less energy than the old devices. This is confirmed by a short study on the electricity efficiency of old and new refrigerators and freezers carried out by the Freiburg-based consulting company Ö-quadrat on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalia consumer advice centre. A total of 1069 devices, 884 of which were free-standing and 185 built-in, were tested.

The results of the study are unequivocal: the power consumption of refrigerators has fallen continuously since the early 1990s. Here is the comparison: around 30 years ago, a standard refrigerator with a freezer compartment consumed 410 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. The average consumption of a new appliance today is only around 40 percent of that and is around 170 kWh per refrigerator. The other types of appliances, such as refrigerators without a freezer compartment and large fridge-freezer combinations, also show significantly lower power consumption in new appliances. Information on how to select the right cooling device and how to use it is provided by the NRW consumer advice center.

Device type, location and temperature setting are crucial to save costs and energy

A model calculation by shows exactly the difference: the price of a kWh is just under 42 cents today, compared to just 30 cents in 1990. In 1990, a refrigerator cost 123 euros in electricity per year. The same device with the same consumption in 2022 is 172.20 euros. What is not taken into account is that the power consumption of cooling devices increases significantly over the years. This is mainly due to the aging of the insulation material. With older devices, defects such as leaking doors or heavily dusty cooling grids can also lead to increased consumption. The age-related additional consumption is estimated at around one percent per year of life. With the recommended measuring device you can check the power consumption and decide whether it is worth buying a new device.

The advice from energy expert Gerhild Loer from the consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia is clear: “If you have a refrigerator with a freezer compartment as a free-standing appliance, replacing it after around 15 years is worthwhile. For built-in devices, this only applies from the age of 20, due to the higher acquisition costs”.

She has even more tips up her sleeve to save electricity when operating a refrigerator. The temperature setting is seven degrees Celsius for the refrigerator and minus 18 degrees Celsius for the freezer. “The location of the device must also be taken into account. The less sunlight falls on the refrigerator, the less the cooling unit has to work. This saves electricity in the long term and efficiently extends the performance of cooling devices,” explains Loer.

Cooking Tips

Baking Tray or Rack? When You Use What

If you have an oven, it usually comes with a baking sheet and rack. What is the difference between the two utensils and when should you use which one?

baking tray

The baking tray is a flat sheet of tin. This is used to put food, such as fresh bread, in the oven and bake it.

In contrast to the grid, a baking sheet provides strong heat from below. The baking tray is therefore suitable for home-baked pizza and tarte flambée, for example. It ensures that the dough is baked quickly. Rolls made from fresh dough and cookies are also usually baked on a baking sheet.

rust

The grid differs from the baking tray in that it consists of metal bars and thus forms a grid base. Almost all dishes can be put into the oven on this.

The grid is particularly suitable for recipes with top heat or if you use the grill function. Therefore, the grid is an advantage if you want to bake cakes. The sheet cake is of course an exception. In contrast to fresh homemade dough, you can also use frozen pizza, for example

Tip: If your mold is very heavy, it is recommended to use the baking tray to gain more stability.

Conclusion

The difference between the baking tray and the grid is that the baking tray emits a lot of heat from below, for example to quickly bake fresh roll dough. The grid is suitable for recipes with top heat or grill function, such as cakes.

Another factor is the stability of the utensils. You should put heavy molds on the baking sheet in the oven.

Overall, you should make sure to clean the sheet metal and grate immediately after use. To keep the dirt to a minimum, you can use parchment paper or a reusable baking mat*.

health

Study Shows This is What Happens to Your Body When You Smoke Cannabis

Smoking cannabis has different effects on the body. Researchers have now investigated whether there is also a risk of thrombosis.

Cannabis: what happens in the body?

As the University of Saarbrücken announced, the scientists compared the blood cells of three marijuana smokers with those of three non-smokers. All test subjects are in their mid-30s. Prof. Kaestner and his team observed that the red blood cells swelled immediately after contact with the cannabis active ingredient dronabinol – more so in people who regularly smoked marijuana than in non-users.

Dronabinol – also known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – stimulates a specific ion channel on red blood cells during smoking. The channel called TRPV2 regulates the uptake and release of certain messenger substances into and out of the cell. Cannabis consumption increases the concentration of sodium ions in the blood cells, which means that more water is absorbed. This causes the cell to swell.

However, the situation does not last long. Within an hour, the cells returned to their original shape. According to Prof. Kaestner, however, the risk of thrombosis for cannabis smokers increases slightly during this time. Because the blood cells are larger and rounder, they tend to get stuck in small capillaries. In addition, when smoking cannabis, the vessels constrict, which also increases the risk of micro-thrombosis.

Scientists: health risk is unclear

According to the German Society for Angiology (DGA), in the event of a thrombosis, vessels such as veins are blocked by a blood clot. Leg and pelvic veins in particular can be affected. If a clot forms in these areas, there is a risk of the clot being carried through the bloodstream to the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is imminent. Various factors can lead to thrombosis. One danger is, for example, prolonged lying down, for example during a hospital stay. In this case, thrombosis stockings prevent vascular occlusion. However, the tendency to thrombosis can also be inherited.

The disease can be fatal. According to figures from the DGA, around 100,000 people die every year in Germany as a result of a pulmonary embolism. This is the third most common fatal cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke. If thrombosis is suspected, action must be taken quickly. As a first step, the patient is injected with an anticoagulant substance. This prevents the clot from growing and leading to a pulmonary embolism.

Prof. Kaestner cannot say that the observations of the Saarbrücken researchers actually pose an immediate health risk. This question was not part of the study.

Lifestyle

Training and Nutrition When Building Muscle: You Have To Consider This

Weight training has many positive effects on the body. With the right diet, you can quickly see changes in your body and muscles. But you should note a few things.

Avoid the 8 biggest mistakes when weight training

#1 Training without a plan

Your training should be structured through. A training plan can help. Because strength training is only about fun, mainly about building muscle. A training plan will help you to train all muscle groups with different, varying exercises.

If you do the exercises from the stomach, they will always be the same ones that are easy for you. In order to achieve results, however, some effort and, above all, variety are required. You can have a training plan drawn up in your gym.

#2 No warm up

Do you shy away from warming up because it’s warm outside anyway or don’t have time? You should change that. With a warm-up, the body pumps more blood through the circulatory system and your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints are prepared for the effort to come.

This also makes you less prone to injury and more enduring. So use a cardio machine of your choice for eight to ten minutes before every strength training session and cycle, step or run at a moderate pace.

#3 Quantity instead of quality

Only if you pay attention to the technique during training will you also use your target muscles and consequently grow faster. Even if you might be able to lift a few kilos less as a result.

Improper exercise also increases the risk of injury. So always pay attention and ask a trainer if you are unsure.

#4 Wrong training weight

Nobody needs show-offs in the gym. Therefore: only take as much weight as you can really handle and not as much as your neighbor can lift. Excessive training weight can lead to overload or even injuries. Your exercise execution suffers as well.

How do I know my training weight? Legs can move more weight than shoulders. The last reps of a set should be difficult for you. If you can’t do your exercise correctly, the weight is too heavy. If you can move the weight with ease, it’s too light.

#5 No rest between sets

Taking a break between each set is important, even if you feel pressed for time. Because during this break, your muscles fill up their energy stores. This allows you to last longer. But if the breaks are too long, your body cools down again.

#6 No increase in load

Your muscles build up with the training and get used to the strain. So that your progress does not stagnate, you should regularly look for new challenges and set new stimuli.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to increase the weights. You can also do more reps per set, switch to free exercises, or add additional exercises.

#7 No cool down

Cool down is the opposite of warm up. They show the body that the stress phase is over and that it can cool down. The heart and breathing rate can be easily regulated during a leisurely ride on the bicycle ergometer or when rolling out on the foam roller.

#8 No recovery period

More is not necessarily more! Give your body a break between workouts to recover. If you train too often, there is not only a higher risk of injury, you also train less effectively and persistently, which in the long run leads to stagnation of your muscle growth.

Lifestyle

The 20 Most Important Bathing Rules: You Should Always Observe These When Swimming

Whether it’s a lake, swimming pool, river or sea: summertime is bathing time. But even in autumn and winter you can splash around in the indoor pools and thermal baths as you please. Unfortunately, accidents do happen from time to time. That’s why you should know these rules.

Bavarian water rescue service: Everyone should know these bathing rules

Observe warnings, limitations, barriers and buoys!
Do not dive with a damaged eardrum or a cold!
Never jump into unknown or murky waters!
Avoid weirs and whirlpools!
Never bathe alone. Never swim long distances without a boat escort!
In an emergency, call loudly for help in good time!
Note the special dangers on and in the sea!
Stay away from ships and watercraft!
Pay attention to the water temperature!
Never jump into the water when you are hot. Cool off before that!
Don’t bathe on a full stomach!
Don’t go into the water when you’re tired!
Never swim or dive in the area of diving boards!
Refrain from running at the edge of the pool!
Get out of the water immediately if you get cold! Dry yourself well after bathing!
Never push others into the water!
Leave the water in a storm, spray or thunderstorm!
Do not go into the water under the influence of alcohol, medication or drugs!
As a non-swimmer, never use inflatable floats as a swimming aid!
Avoid aquatic plants!

Swimming in summer: This is how you protect yourself

It also makes sense to regularly apply sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to your skin to prevent sunburn. You should also drink enough water so that your body does not become dehydrated and your circulation does not become sluggish.

A head covering, an umbrella or the shade of a tree are also beneficial to protect yourself from the high levels of sunlight.

With this valuable knowledge, you are armed against dangers and nothing stands in the way of you spending a relaxed and sunny day by the water. Preferably without sunburn, accidents and injuries, but with lots of fun and a good mood!

Lifestyle

Slim Without Constraint: Why You Shouldn’t Concentrate on Losing Weight When Exercising

Bike to work, count steps and try to jog as often as you can. The goal: to lose weight. But the personal compulsion to constantly burn calories affects mental health. Apart from weight loss, sport has so many other positive effects.

Weight reduction in sports: That’s why it shouldn’t be the goal

Anyone who constantly puts themselves under pressure when losing weight or associates weight reduction with negative thought patterns such as “I’ll never make it” or “It’s all taking too long” can trigger certain stress reactions that are particularly counterproductive for weight loss success. This is partly due to the stress hormone cortisol, which inhibits fat loss and muscle growth, according to personal trainer Sandra Mennel

Another reason not to just focus on losing weight while exercising is weight gain from muscle building. Anyone who does a lot of sport inevitably builds muscle. Without a doubt, a defined body looks better and slimmer. But many people quickly panic and lose motivation when they see the scale saying anything other than the weight loss they want. However, it is often forgotten that muscle is heavier than fat tissue, which is why the scale shows more than hoped for.

The increase due to water retention corresponds to another problem for beginners. If you haven’t exercised properly for years, your muscles will become sore very quickly. This can even affect weight, since the body stores more water when muscles are sore. It is precisely this water retention that leads to the fact that one or two kilograms more can be welcomed on the scales.

Good arguments for sport that have nothing to do with losing weight

Much more than losing weight, the positive aspects should come to the fore in sport. In most cases, we just feel mentally better after a sports session. This is because physical activity releases endorphins, which in turn have a relaxing effect on both the body and mind. That’s why you can not only switch off with a sports unit, but also reduce stress. But only if you don’t stress about losing weight.

Furthermore, studies such as the joint study by Oregon State University and Bellarmine University have shown that regular exercise significantly improves the quality of sleep. During the study period, 3081 adults between the ages of 18 and 85 were interviewed. Those who exercised at least two and a half hours a week were able to increase the number of light and deep sleep phases.

Finally, regular exercise leads to a generally improved state of health. In various studies, scientists have found that regular exercise helps to minimize the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even some types of cancer. In addition, the professor of sports science, Dr. Henning Budde, in a “mega-analysis”, that sport has positive effects on depression and even works as well as drug therapies.

Conclusion: With serenity you can lose weight better

If you really want to lose weight, you should approach the topic calmly and not toil in the gym. Sports beginners in particular should not be unsettled by the imbalance on the scales. Those who are prone to chronic stress can specifically include relaxation phases in their sports units. Nevertheless, you should always expect small setbacks, because failures are completely normal when losing weight and are part of it.

health

This is What Happens to Your Body When You Start Exercising

One in four adults does not exercise enough. More than five million deaths could be avoided if the world’s population would exercise more. It doesn’t matter whether it’s jogging, weight training or cycling: Regular exercise not only promotes physical and mental health, but also prevents numerous diseases.

Sport: Positive effects on the body

When you exercise, your blood pressure and insulin levels drop for a few hours after exercise. After a few months, your heart gets used to the new strain during sport and thus lowers blood pressure and heart rate in the long term, even outside of training. This relieves the heart and reduces the risk of many diseases. For example, many people suffer from high blood pressure without even knowing it. This is where exercise and the right diet can help.

Strength training also strengthens the muscles and bones in particular, which in turn prevents fractures, tension or muscle tears. There is also a big plus in the positive effect on our immune system. Furthermore, sport reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer and has a positive effect on the brain, which stabilizes thinking skills.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical activity also promotes metabolic health, musculoskeletal health and the prevention of depression. Sport has an impact not only on physical but also on mental health. Physical activity improves mental well-being, increases quality of life as well as mobility and independence, especially in older people, reduces stress reactions, fears, depression and other forms of dementia.

WHO: This is what happens when you don’t exercise

According to the WHO, physical inactivity has negative consequences. Any movement is better than not moving at all. At six percent, lack of exercise is the fourth largest risk factor for premature mortality, after high blood pressure at thirteen percent, smoking at nine percent and high blood sugar also at six percent. Overweight (obesity) is another major risk factor, accounting for five percent of deaths.

For Europe, the WHO estimates the consequences of lack of exercise at one million deaths every year, which corresponds to ten percent of all deaths. There are also drastic economic costs associated with the negative effects of physical and mental inactivity.

WHO recommendations for physical activity

The WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for the adult population aged eighteen and over. That’s two and a half hours a week and should definitely be possible. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a workout in the gym, a round of jogging in the forest or a relaxed yoga session with friends, all movement promotes health. Even a long brisk walk improves endurance and keeps you fit.

In addition, muscle-strengthening activities should be incorporated that are not limited to just one area of the body. A mixture of endurance and muscle training is recommended here, in units with a minimum duration of ten minutes each. At best, you spread your sports units over at least twice a week.

From the age of 65, the organization increasingly recommends physical activity that focuses on balance, coordination and muscle strengthening at least three times a week. Children should move for at least an hour a day. Children and teenagers should work up a sweat three days a week to strengthen muscles and bones. Being physically active is crucial to your health and well-being.

health

This is What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Eating Meat

Happy without meat: Consciously avoiding meat is becoming more and more popular around the world. But what actually happens to our bodies when we give up meat?

The effects of not eating meat are many. The body reacts in the following way:

Weight loss: Those who do not eat meat lose weight more easily and quickly.
Lowering the risk of cancer: Red meat is suspected of being carcinogenic. The body fat percentage also plays a role here.
Healthier intestinal flora:
Better Body Odor:
A disadvantage:

Lifestyle

6 Tips to Overcome Fear When Driving

Because of social prejudice, trauma, or personal events, many women develop a fear or dislike of driving. This article provides useful advice on how to overcome panic driving and debunks the erroneous myth that men are better drivers.

Women driving cars

Prejudices between the sexes are not only to be found in the world of work – but road traffic can also be based on social prejudices against women. These mostly result from the false belief that women are worse drivers than men, as well as from the historical association of the automotive scene with the male gender.

But there are female drivers who have made history. And recently the macho tendency in the automotive world is becoming less and less. However, the social burden is so strong that many women view driving with fear and reservations. That’s why we’re going to offer some advice to give encouragement to those who still feel scared when starting the engine.

6 pieces of advice to get braver behind the wheel

If you could, why shouldn’t you? Here are some recommendations to finally get rid of your fear of driving. Also, note useful tips for saving when buying a car.

1) Practice in free and safe places

In the beginning, it could be helpful if you take a driver you trust in the passenger seat so that he or she can help you find your way and give you security. The further away from the city, you lay your exercise route, the safer you will feel. Gradually you will then be able to face heavier traffic.

2) Take driving lessons

In order to learn to drive or to improve your driving skills, both the experience of the trained driving instructors and their theoretical support is essential. Also, it is mandatory to pass the driving test. You can also find out more about the best way to prepare for the exam on DEKRA.

3) Make friends with GPS

If you know the route and its obstacles from the start, you will be more relaxed. Today, thanks to satellite navigation, it is possible to see the direction of travel, and possible shortcuts, quickly recalculate the route if there is a problem or if you miss the exit, etc.

4) Learn basic mechanics and customize your car by yourself

With every problem that arises, you will feel more confident if you have previously informed yourself about the characteristics of each car part if you know the spare parts, and have bought the tires yourself on the Internet beforehand. At www.reifenleader.de there is an extensive catalog of tires including their technical details. You can also consult your car model’s tire manual and your car’s equipment there. In addition, this knowledge can also be an effective help when selling your car.

5) If you need professional help, don’t hesitate to ask for it

When your fear becomes irrational and limits you in the actions of your everyday life, we speak of a phobia. Driving a car has this and it’s called amaxophobia. This psychological state can be due to many reasons, such as remembering an accident. To overcome them, you need professional help. Sometimes, in a few hours of therapy, you can overcome something that many hours of driving couldn’t achieve. Also, note how to avoid annoying winter blues and reduce stress and anxiety.

6) Gradually increase the distance

Without any pressure, you will be able to conquer new streets and districts. Start with those in your neighborhood and gradually expand your radius.

Women are excellent drivers

Both the number of complaints and penalties, as well as the latest studies from institutions such as the US Department of Transportation, INEGI in Mexico, the Polytechnic Institute of Madrid, and the Center for Experimentation and Traffic Safety (Cesvi) in Argentina, lead us to the same conclusion: Not only can women drive as well or even better than men, they are even more careful.

There are other indicators that give indications of this as well. In the UK, for example, car insurance is cheaper for women. And we already know that insurance companies never lose. It is also important to understand that the circumstances in which women live in different countries around the world are very different. The lifestyle that a German woman leads, for example, determines her social behavior to a greater or lesser extent.

Even though some studies show that men have developed some motor skills by up to 20%, when driving a car it is not just these that are important, but a combination of factors such as concentration and obeying the traffic rules. Factors that are more pronounced in women. Stereotypes and gender differences aside, it’s about overcoming irrational fears, learning and practicing, knowing our own limits, and trusting our abilities.

Business

Tips for Saving When Buying a Car

Useful tips when buying a used car and when buying a cheap car. In the following article, you will find out which tips you can take into account in order to save when buying a car.

If you want to save when buying a car, there are several things to consider. Especially when buying a car, you don’t want to be ripped off. If you follow these tips when buying a car, you have a good chance of acquiring a decent car.

1) Where is the best place to buy?

Newspaper advertisement or Internet: The used car offers are in the special sections of the daily newspapers or on the Internet. One can assume that the Internet platforms that specialize in vehicle trading have a larger selection of offers than a newspaper. You can also find useful car tips for buying a used car on the Internet. The question of whether you should buy the car from a dealer or privately cannot be answered unequivocally.

In the case of a private purchase, the buyer is faced with a number of dangers if he is completely unfamiliar with the car. As a rule, there is no guarantee and there is no possibility of prosecuting the seller for any defects that may exist. The dealer, on the other hand, must give a warranty for the car, although you should also be careful when buying from a dealer. There are enough “black sheep” on the used car market who are considered dubious dealers.

2) Buy a used car instead of a new car

If you decide to buy a used car instead of a new vehicle, you can save a lot of money. This is due to the fact that a new car loses significantly in value after the first trip and is therefore also cheaper. If you then also buy your new used car from a dealer, it may be possible that you also get a guarantee on the car.

3) More ways to save when buying a car

If it is a new vehicle, you can also consider leasing returns. These are often available very cheaply as they are sold at market value. In this context, discounts of up to a maximum of 40 percent can be expected. It should also not be forgotten that such leasing models are often available with a mileage of between around 20,000 and 40,000 kilometers. Here it is worth using the best leasing companies. They usually offer their returns cheaply at various locations at important traffic junctions and on the Internet.

There, the returns accumulate enormously and should preferably be brought “to the man” again quickly. So the price is even lower. Especially in this area, you can sometimes save a lot of money when buying a car. Other options are also daily registrations or annual cars from the dealers, the savings potential is somewhat lower, but the vehicles also have lower mileage.

4) Accident-free or accident car?

Accident-free or an accident car: For a layman, it is usually difficult to tell whether the dream car has already been in an accident or not. This is especially difficult when the car has been professionally repaired. If you don’t know for sure whether the car was in an accident or not, you should be more cautious when you spot the following features on the vehicle:

lighter or darker areas on the body (different paint tint)
suspicious paint marks in places where paint is not normally found (e.g. rubber seals or strut)
Trunk, doors, or bonnet do not close properly
weird gaps of different widths on doors or bumpers
the car is not running straight.

5) Detect odometer tampering

Discover manipulations on the odometer: Today it is even easier to manipulate the odometer than it used to be, you just have to have certain computer skills. The best way to find evidence of mileage manipulation is to take a closer look at the interior. In a new car, for example with 60,000 kilometers on it, the pedals, seats, or gear knobs are in a neat and new condition. However, if the seats are worn and you can no longer see any grooves or patterns on the pedals, you should refrain from buying them and go to another dealer.

6) Observe the service booklet

The service book provides information on how and if the car was serviced at all. Especially with new cars, it is important that the service booklet is handed over to the buyer. If the original invoices from the service appointments are added, you can buy the car with a clear conscience.