Saving energy for the Green Generation.
Energy Efficiency | Energy Savings | Understanding Energy | Reducing Carbon Output
Household Energy Consumption - Measure, Monitor and take action...27% of the UK's carbon output is a direct result of our own (residential houses) mismanagement of energy - but like me, you probably were not aware of your usage and the implications this has for our environment. The first thing we need to get to grips with is measuring our Electricty usage...in order to do this we need some sort of monitor...
Energy Monitors or Energy Meters
There are basically two different types of household electricity monitors, Plug in and Wireless.
A plug in monitor plugs in between your wall socket and the appliance you wish to monitor. They can be set to monitor the amount of energy used and the running cost. They are the best choice for Computer equipment, TV's, Hi Fi, Video DVD and Kitchen aplliances like fridges, freezers. For Washing machines or dishwashers with different time and temperature settings, you can even see what difference the settings make.
Wireless Monitors are designed to give you an instant read out of how much you are using in the house altogether. You will see the usage increase as you turn on different appliances, and decrease as you turn them off. This is very useful in reminding people to turn things off when they have finished using them!
5 reasons to invest in energy monitors
1. Save money on energy bills.
2. See the waste, how do you save money on energy if you can't see where its wasted?
3. Monitor the true cost of appliances, this will help you make better, more cost effective purchases.
4. Educate your family and friends on the true cost of energy. Your kids will love it, and learn the art of turning things off when they have finished!
5. Help the environment by reducing CO2 emissions.
Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Ordinary, old fashioned lightbulbs are now being withdrawn from sale in the UK, they are being replaced by a range of new, energy efficient light bulbs. These new bulbs last up to 10 times longer than ordinary bulbs, that works out at a saving of approx £40 over the lifetime of the bulb, even more if you're replacing a high watt bulb, or one that is in constant use.
These new Energy saving light bulbs are small, bright and come in a wide range of shapes to suit your needs. The biggest difference between the old fashioned light bulbs, and the new energy saving bulbs s saving money, and helping to protect the environment.
Just think about it, one new energy saving bulb can save you on average £2.50 per year. How many bulbs do you have in your house? I counted 58 in my house, thats an average of nearly £150 per year in savings!
100W bulbs are already on the way out. Next will be the standard shaped bulbs (usually called A-shaped) that are used in most homes. All old fashioned bulbs will dissapear from the shops by Jan 2011.
There's no need to worry about having to change light fittings, Energy saving light bulbs fit in ordinary light fittings, you can buy energy saving bulbs that work with dimmer switches, and even ones that will fit Chandeliers.
Compact Flourescent Lamps are the most common types, sometimes called CFL's. The are the everyday energy saving bulbs and come in many sizes, shapes including stick and candle shapes, and come in either screw or bayonet fitting.
You can also benefit from Energy Saving halogen light bulbs to replace the existing halogen bulbs you may have in your home. These will use around 30% less electricity.
Saving money with standby power
The eco facts.
The Energy Saving Trust study of "Standby Power" show that in one year, stereos left on standby cost £290m and produced 1.6 million tonnes of CO2. Set-top boxes, DVD players, video players and satellite boxes cost £194m and produced 1.06 million tonnes of CO2, and TVs cost £88m and 480,000 tonnes of CO2.
Think about the amount of appliances in your house, make sure to include anything that has an LED – such as a washing machine or dishwasher. Also add anything that has a display that is always on – like the clock on a microwave or standard oven. Anything with a transformer (black box) between the appliance and the plug. And everything that can be switched on by remote control. There are also some appliances that have none of these things but still have a standby function using power. Each one of these maybe using around £3 of power per year, just on standby! Add that up and you could be wasting a bucket load of money. The amount of power used on standby varies between different pieces of equipment, but it's the total around the house that matters, that’s what eats up your money.
The solution.
Single socket units for one appliance are the simplest form of standby power saver. When plugged in, these will automatically detect when the appliance is put into standby mode and will reduce the power to a minimum.
Multiple socket units are perfect for things like TV's home cinema, DVD players, games consuls etc and for PC's with several peripherals. All of the devices would be plugged in and one is identified as the the master. For example if the TV was the master, when the TV is switched off, power would automatically be cut to the DVD, Video, games Consul, Set top box etc. They also usually have a permanent power outlet for any device that may be set to record while the TV is off, so you need not worry about missing programmes.
Alternatives to traditional standby savers are also available for PCs and notebooks. Some for example, connects via USB and switches a machine into a deep sleep mode when pressed, reporting current savings to date on-screen.
