 Britain
is Europe's worst energy waster. Recent research shows bad habits
such as leaving electrical appliances on standby is set to cost
households £11bn by 2010.
So what can you do to save electricity?
Televisions: On average a traditional
cathode ray tube (CRT) television set uses 100 watts of power when
in use and about two watts on standby.
Newer LCD and plasma televisions are higher consumers
of electricity, with the largest models consuming up to 400 watts
when in use and about four watts on standby.
DVD players: Consumers can safely
switch off most DVD players/recorders, hard disk recorders or video
recorders purchased in recent years, according to the Energy Saving
Trust.
Owners should not need to retune the devices when
they are switched back on or have to contend with resetting the
clock as the machines usually retain their settings.
However, manufacturers recommend that some satellite
TV receivers be left in standby when not in use so they can receive
updates.
Computers: It may not be practical
to turn a computer on-and-off if it is to be used throughout the
day. However, the Energy Saving Trust suggests turning the monitor
off when not in use. Peripherals like printers and scanners should
also be turned off when not in use. Leaving unnecessary items on
standby is said to costs each household an average of £37 a year.
Chargers: If devices such as mobile
phones and MP3 players were unplugged when not in use, the UK could
save enough electricity each year to power 115,000 homes.
Chargers are not huge energy consumers in their own
right, but if a charger feels warm when it is plugged in without
being attached to a device, it is still converting energy and using
electricity.
Bulbs: If all UK households replaced
one light bulb with an energy efficient one, the money saved could
pay about 75,000 family fuel bills a year.
"If you are going out of a room for half and
hour, or even 10 minutes, turn the lights off," said Dr Paula
Owen, of the Energy Saving Trust.
"It does not harm the electricity supply or the
bulbs. There is no point in burning electricity for no reason."
Washing Clothes: Fill washing machines
to maximum for each cycle. Washing at 30C as opposed to 40C, uses
40% less energy and is generally as efficient, according to the
Energy Saving Trust.
Consumers are being encouraged to make sure they buy
Energy Saving Recommended models when buying new appliances such
as washing machines and fridges.
Monitor you electricity use with a smart electricity
monitor
Using a smart electricity monitor allows you to see
the amount of electricity you use in your home, as it measures the
electrical usage of your home appliances.
You can then respond by changing your behaviour towards
electricity use. A smart monitor really can help you make a difference
in saving electricity and help the fight against climate change.
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