Saving Electricity In The Lounge

Use the tips on these pages to guide electricity saving in the lounge to save money and reduce CO2 emissions. For more information on these tips check out the electricity saving section.

-No Cost Tips

- Low Cost Tips

- Higher Cost or More Difficult Tips

 

Air Conditioning		Turn Air Conditioner Thermostats Up A Few Degrees
		Doing this will save a lot of electricity.
		Keep Cooling Surfaces Clean And Free From Dust
		Dirty heat exchangers (radiators) need a regular clean to keep the efficiency high. Make sure the air flow through the unit is not restricted. It also helps if you clean the filters regularly.
Computer		Switch off at the wall when not in use
		Computers use a small amount of power even when powered down. A computer left on standby can cost between £1 & £3 a quarter.
Broadband Router		Turn it off at the wall when the computer is off
		Routers can use around 10W of electricity.
Computer Monitors. Printers, etc		Turn them off at the wall when the computer is off
		It's surprising just how much electricity can be wasted by leaving these things on.
Hi-Fi		Switch off at the wall when not in use
		A Hi-Fi can use a small amount of power even when switched off.
Lighting		Switch off lights when the room Is empty
		A hundred watt light bulb switched on for one hour every day costs over £1 a quarter to run. A low energy bulb switched on for one hour a day costs around 20p a quarter to run.
		Make sure floor and table lamps are in the corner of the room
		Lamps in a corner are more effective because the light reflects from the walls
		Turn off the main lighting if watching television, use a small low wattage table light instead.
		This also means that viewing is better with less light reflected off the television screen
		Make sure curtains and blinds are fully drawn back/open
		To maximise natural light
		Use light coloured shades on lights
		Dark shades cut down the amount of light from bulbs
		If the lounge is brightly lit try lower power bulbs
		Often the lighting in rooms is brighter than needed
		Replace all bulbs possible with low energy ones
		There are now plenty of types available in low energy format.
		Use light colours when redecorating rooms
		Light coloured rooms require less power to light them. This works especially well in north facing rooms or rooms with small windows.
		Split control of lights where there are more than one in a room
		If a room has more than one light (in different positions) have them rewired to enable them to be controlled separately
		Replace light fittings where there are no suitable energy efficient bulbs available
		Obvious targets for this are multiple spot lamp fittings typically found in kitchens.
Mobile Phone Chargers		Don't leave them switched on when not in use
		If possible run the charger(s) overnight to take advantage of cheap rate electricity BUT remember to use a time switch as they only take 2 to 3 hours to charge.
Television & DVD		Switch televisions and DVDs off at the socket when not in use
		A television left on for two hours a day can cost between £1 and £6 a quarter to run depending on the age and size.
		Turn the brightness and contrast down as far as possible consistent with comfortable viewing
		This helps to reduce the power consumption. Use dim room lighting when viewing to maximise this
WIreless Telephones		Consider replacing mains powered wireless phones with a conventional one
		The chargers for these use a small amount of power continuously.