Electricity
In the domestic context, internal lighting accounts for between 15 and 20 per cent of the electricity bill. Domestic appliances account for the remainder (unless electric heating is used).
Electricity controls
Real time electricity monitors (also sometimes referred to as domestic smart meters) and ‘stand-by' buster gadgets are emerging technologies that help consumers to be aware of and target energy wastage.
Real time electricity monitors have a clip that sits on the incoming main and transmits real-time consumption data to a wireless monitor, which is placed in a prominent location for constant monitoring. Alarms can be set for energy consumption ‘spikes'.
Stand-by busters contain adapters that fit between the socket and appliance with a stand-by function, which can be switched off by a remote control. This means that the appliances can be switched off completely via the remote control at night or when the occupant is leaving the house.
In new developments mains switches near the front door can be designed in for easy switching off of the power supply. However, a secondary circuit will still be needed for essential appliances such as fridges.
Appliances
Typical appliances include fridges and freezers, washing machines, televisions, hi-fis, computers, mobile phones, kettles, power showers and many more. While improvements in energy efficiency over the years have reduced the average consumption of larger household appliances (reflected in a rating systems from A-G), overall electricity consumption continues on an up-ward trend due to rising use of smaller consumer appliances, such as DVD players, ‘digiboxes', etc. year on year.
EST: The rise of the machines - A review of energy using products in the home from the 1970s to today, 2006
To counteract this it is necessary to design into a new development appliances which meet the highest energy efficiency standards, particularly for those appliances with long running hours or high levels of use such as fridges and washing machines. Power showers are particularly power-hungry and should be avoided.
Defra's Market Transformation Programme deals comprehensively with appliance use and future developments.
Behaviour
Information should be supplied to occupants to avoid the replacement of energy-efficient appliances with less efficient ones on aesthetic grounds.
To boost general energy awareness, information should also be provided on the energy consumption of common appliances such as computers, TVs, and telephones, including their consumption when in ‘stand-by' mode and when chargers / power supplies remain plugged in needlessly. In particular they should be advised against retro-fitting power and water hungry power-showers. It will help to make occupants aware of the life-cycle cost of appliances, which can be considerable.
