This tips of the month are taken from the above mentioned uk energysavingtrust publication. There are two main areas where changes in everyday habits can make a real difference: through the appliances and other electric items people choose to own, and how they use those products. Some behaviours in the home have changed – more people than ever routinely recycle, and turn off lights. Others may be more likely to change as smart technologies catch on: as a customer triallist for the energy company EDF said: ‘When you see a bill it's just historical, you have to pay it. But when you see the real time usage you can act to reduce it' Once an appliance is installed in the home, usually the most substantial part of its energy and carbon footprint will be determined by how it is used. WASHING MACHINE | |
According to MTP46, people are buying larger washing machines and then washing the same number and size of loads as with their previous smaller machines. A larger, albeit more efficient, washing machine used to wash frequent small loads is likely to use as much energy than a smaller machine used in the same way – even though it is more efficient for its size than the older model was. To realise the energy and monetary savings from this new purchase, the family has to change its habits and switch to fewer and larger wash loads.
REFRIGERATOR | |
A large, American-style fridge will make it tempting to buy more food at once, as there is the extra room to store it. However, this storage space may well be contributing to food waste, as items get lost in the back, or simply can't be eaten before their use-by date. WRAP, the UK's waste advisory body, estimates that households waste an average £480 per year on the food and drink they throw away47. Click on this link to read the full document. Past month's Tips The local mascot "Flick the Switch" brings to you useful tips which can help you to save energy* | |
Flick the Switch's energy saving tip in April: The Power Meter By using a power meter you can measure the electricity consumption of your devices and discover hidden energy hogs in an easy and comfortable way. Also standby losses caused by devices that are not turned off properly such as televisions or mobile chargers can be measured precisely. | |
The learning and energy saving effect can be huge - or do you know how much electricity your coffee machine consumes compared to your DVD player? The power meter is simply inserted between the socket and the device. Whether refrigerator, television or internet routers - the power meter display shows the current electricity consumption. Home owners can compare these figures with the consumption of new products they see in stores by checking the energy labels on refrigerators, TVs, washing machines, etc. You can buy power meters already for less than 20 € at the hardware store. Good luck with saving energy and keep your eyes peeled for the next energy saving tip in May! Yours, Flick the Switch! * Flick the Switch has been created as part of the IEE funded project "Instigating Simple Energy Efficiency Behavioural Practices in Schools " coordinated by Iberian Productivity and Innovation Centre (IPIC), Spain and supported by ten partners from across Europe. |
