Energy Efficiency - Lighting and Appliances

Ordinary light bulbs use much more electricity and need replacing much more often than modern alternatives. Energy saving light bulbs can use up to 80% less energy than an ordinary bulb. They last up to eight times as long. They go on saving you money year after year. The Government recently announced that it plans to phase out the sale of old style light bulbs by 2012.

 

 

Energy saving light bulbs are available in the usual bayonet and screw fixings, so they should fit in any socket around your home. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can choose one that works well with your lampshade.  Just like ordinary bulbs, energy efficient bulbs are available in a choice of wattages.  Since they only use a quarter of the energy, their wattages are correspondingly lower. Unlike ordinary bulbs, energy saving bulbs may take a moment or two to reach their full brightness.

 

Energy saving light bulbs are best used in the places where you have the lights on most often and for longest, as it's in these places that the bulbs will save you the most money.  For example, if you have outside security lighting which is left on for several hours each night, an energy saving light bulb will be much more cost effective.

Special dimmer switches are required for use with energy saving light bulbs. Certain electronic switching devices and timers are incompatible, so check your manufacturer's instructions first.

If you run old electrical appliances at home, you are most probably paying way over the odds when it comes to bills.  Energy efficient appliances use less power and cost less to run.  An energy efficient washing machine uses less than half the energy of an old, inefficient model and cuts water consumption considerably.  An efficient fridge freezer needs as little as a third of the energy to do the same job as an old appliance. 

The best way to spot the energy efficient from the inefficient is to look out for the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo.  This makes choosing energy efficient products easier than ever.

 

Look for the logo on new fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryers and light bulbs.  The distinctive blue and orange logo is only displayed on products that have passed rigorous energy efficiency tests, authorised by the Energy Saving Trust and backed by the Government.  It is a sure sign that the appliance you are buying is one of the most efficient in its category.  Energy Efficiency Recommended appears alongside the European Union's Energy label, which shows how much energy an appliance uses on a scale of A-G.

There are ways to maximise the efficiency of your appliances. Just by using a 40ºC wash cycle rather than 60ºC means you use a third less electricity. Reduce it to a 30ºC cycle and the amount you save will be even more.  Modern washing powders and detergents work just as effectively at lower temperatures, so unless you have very dirty washing try to use a low temperature programme. 

 

When using your dishwasher or washing machine, it is better to wait for a full load, or use the economy cycle if your machine has one.  To save energy when using a tumble dryer, avoid drying really wet clothes - wring or spin-dry them first.  The clothes will dry faster and you will save money.

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