High Powered Gadgets Threaten Energy Savings

In the UK we spend £12 billion a year on new electrical appliances, however the latest technology is not necessarily the most environmentally friendly with some new products being less efficient than old ones. This is mainly due to the growth in sales of hi-tech gadgets like flat panel tvs, plasma tvs and digital radios. In many cases upgrading televisions from cathode ray tube televisions to much larger flat panel televisions has resulted in a three-fold increase in electricity consumption from the device. A similar increase has also been seen in digital radios;

• Digital Radios, 8W
• Anologue Radios, 2W
• Digital Television Radio Service, 100W

By 2020 it is predicted by the Energy Saving Trust that 14 power stations will be needed just to power consumer electronic devices, and gadgets will account for about 45% of electricity used in UK households. Whilst some devices have been criticised in the report other consumer electronics have been praised for their advancements into reducing their energy consumption.

• Mobile Phone Chargers (60 - 80% reduction in no-load consuption)
• White Goods (Fridges, Freezers, Washing Machines)

With the continued increase in purchases on consumer electronics and the need for the latest gadgets our electricity consumption is going to continue to rise, only with a change in attitudes and continued developments of environmentally friendly and efficient products like we have seen in the past decade with CFLs and white goods will we reduce our household energy consumption. Otherwise the progress of the past will have only offset the consumer demand of the future. Here are a few tips from the Energy Saving Trust on why to choose wisely;

• Around 9% of total UK TV energy consumption is from standby alone - so turn it off when you have finished watching and save yourself money.
• The new large flat screen TVs can cost up to three times as much to run as traditional TVs. This can add up to a surprising £90 to a typical household electricity bill every year. Do your research before you buy to make sure you're getting the most energy efficient model.

• The UK's DVDs and VCRs consume nearly £220 million worth of electricity each year and this is expected to nearly double by 2020. This is mainly because they are left on standby, so turn them off at the plug when you're not using them.
• Every year set-top boxes in the UK use around £260 million worth of electricity. Energy Saving Recommended TVs have a built-in set top box, which saves enough electricity to make around 1,800 mugs of tea a year) - and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
• The latest generation of computer games consoles consume up to an astonishing 180W of electricity - the equivalent of leaving three 60W bulbs burning (and potentially adding £160 per year to the electricity bill). Switch off your games console at the wall when not in use to save money and energy.

Follow these simple guidelines to keep your gadgets energy efficient:

1. Do your research before you shop - There's no need to compromise on functionality to be more energy efficient. Many of the latest and most sophisticated consumer electronics carry the Energy Saving Recommended logo. Find out more about Energy Saving Recommended products
2. Look for the logo - the Energy Saving Recommended logo is a simple and quick way to find the most energy efficient products. You'll find it on a wide range of products from kitchen appliances including washing machines and fridges, heating and lighting to televisions and set top boxes.
3. Ask in store - with energy consumption continuing to rise, the running costs and efficiency of a product are important considerations. Sales staff should have a good working knowledge of the features and benefits of each product so be sure to ask them:
   
   • Whether it is Energy Saving Recommended
   • How much energy the product uses when on standby
   • Whether the product has any special energy efficient features such as automatic standby which powers appliances down if they are not used for a certain amount of time, or screen blanking which allows you to listen to digital radio on your TV without using excess energy
4. Look out for integrated appliances - fewer products means less electricity so buying an integrated digital television, which combines a TV with a digital receiver, is good for both your pocket and the environment.