Electrical and white goods brands are costing consumers and the environment
Inspecting the energy usage of electrical brands before purchase is as important as reading the labelling on food brands, according to the people behind the new OWL wireless energy monitor.
Certain brands and products are currently failing consumers, but more informed choices could save customers money as well as considerably reducing household CO2 emissions.
Using figures on the electrical usage of goods - from kitchen appliances to entertainment electronics - the difference between CO2 outputs and running costs of seemingly similar products can be surprisingly high.*
The LG GC259Y fridge freezer will cost twice as much to run over the course of a year than the Electrolux ERN29600, while the Siemens WM16S794 washing machine will produce three times more CO2 emissions than the Candy AQ1000.
Although the Candy is the best washing machine on running costs and emissions, its GOC218 tumble-dryer is the worst performing, costing nine times more to power than its washing machine.
The Nintendo Wii is the most energy-efficient current games console to play, however, when left on stand-by it can cost consumers £13 a year - over five times more than the Sony PS2.
Plasma TVs generally eat up much more electricity than LCD TVs, however there are still wide differences between makes and models, with the Philips 42PF5521D 42” Plasma costing over £30 more a year to run than the Fujitsu P42HTS40GS 42”. The Loewe XelosA42 LCD 42”TV will emit 100kg more CO2 a year than the equivalent Sharp LC42SD1E 42” LCD TV.
So although there are obvious differences between makes and models, such as size, capacity and usage times, it is clear that similar products can differ widely when it comes to electrical usage.
And the OWL, which is a revelatory new device that aims to help in the fight against climate change, is set to show millions of people just how much electricity we waste in our homes, whilst highlighting the money we can all save as a result.
The OWL monitors the home’s electricity supply and for the first time provides real-time monetary information about the household’s energy usage. When lights and appliances are turned on, the OWL’s easy-to-read LCD monitor reveals exactly how much electricity is being used, how the cost of electricity per hour changes, and how much harmful CO2 emissions the home is producing. By simply turning off appliances when not in use, or rather being used needlessly, UK consumers can actually save up to 25% of their electricity usage – a saving that translates directly to reducing their monthly bills and households’ harmful carbon emissions.
Over one quarter of all UK CO2 emissions come from individual homes, with the average UK household creating six tonnes of CO2 every year. By acting on the OWL’s readings, consumers can not only cut down on their emissions, but reduce the average £870 annual energy bill and the £7.5billion worth of energy that is wasted in the UK every year.**
Keith Berry, Chief Executive of OWL says: “Research shows that UK consumers are keen to take personal action on climate change, but are still unsure of what they can actually do on an individual level. And arguably this is because, although the Government has made significant noise about the need to reduce our energy consumption, households haven’t had the physical means to do anything about it. So until now, we’ve had to wait until our quarterly bills land on our doormats, before we can see the quantity of electricity we’ve used. This is all set to change with OWL, as people will be able to measure their electrical usage – simply and cost-effectively saving the planet and their pockets.”
“The OWL is simply installed by the householder, without any wiring. It is clipped to the household’s electricity supply cable, transmitting data to a portable wireless monitor that can be taken anywhere around the home. By actually viewing the cost of the energy you are using and the effect on the environment as it happens, it’s easy to make instant changes that will not only help fight climate change but will really save you money too. It’s Eco2 – helping you to save money and the environment.”
The OWL is available now costing just £49.99 and will be available to buy online at www.theowl.com and through other stores nationwide.