Living room go green factsTurn off your Television and any other
appliances if it is not being used, remember even when it is on
standby, it is using electricityConsider upgrading to a flat panel
LCD monitor. They use approximately 1/3 the energy as equal-sized
CRT monitors.Seven energy-saving tips for your TV 1. Switch off
your TV when you're not watching, this will do more to reduce
energy use than anything else. 2. Manufacturers have improved
standby efficiency - in most new TVs energy usage is typically
below 1 watt - so this is an option if you have a new TV, but if
you have an older model, this mode may be using energy
unnecessarily. Switching to standby is better than leaving your TV
on, but it's still more energy-efficient to switch it off
completely. 3. Make sure the brightness of your TV is right for
your room as the factory settings are typically brighter than
necessary. Also make sure you switch on the ambient light sensor -
if you're viewing your TV in a darker room with the sensor switched
on it can dramatically reduce power consumption by adjusting the
contrast of the picture automatically. 4. If you're listening to
the radio through your TV, make sure you use the radio screen
blanking feature - it's a handy way to save energy. 5. If you're
buying a new TV, think about the size and type of screen you
choose. An energy-efficient 32-inch LCD will typically use half the
power of a model with a 42-inch plasma screen. In general, the
smaller your TV, the less it will cost you to run. 6. Rather than
using the normal viewing setting on your TV, switch it to
energy-saving mode, this usually dims the backlight which means the
power consumption should drop by a third. 7. If you're buying a new
TV, look for the energy-saving Trust recommended label, that way
you can be sure you are buying a TV with optimised energy-saving
features.
WINDOW
Save Money and Energy By Going WithoutLots of people dont have
air conditioning at all. If its a mild day, why not just open the
windows and go without your A/C? You could save big, and air out
your home in the bargain.
Watch Where You Put Your LampsMSN suggests keeping an eye on
where your lamps and TVs are placed. If theyre too near your A/Cs
thermostat, this can affect its efficiency.You can also save by
changing your lightbulbs to CFLs, which emit 25% less heat than a
regular bulb.
Block Summer Sun With PlantsYou could also consider growing
plants on trellises in front of windows. Plants like jasmine,
honeysuckle, and ivy can all help keep the sun out, and beautify
your home at the same time.
I love summer. To me, its not summer unless Im hot. So, I dont
mind not having A/C at all. If youve never tried it, why not turn
off your A/C and see how you like it? Throw open the windows, hear
the birds, and get some fresh air. To me, thats the best part of
summer. Youre bringing the outdoors in, and saving money and energy
at the same time.
