New research has shown the average UK household to have 3.5 times more gadgets than 20 years ago, sending our energy bills through the roof.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, our love of devices like plasma TVs, tumble dryers, computers and games consoles also means the UKs target for carbon reduction on domestic appliances will be missed by around 7 million tons.
The target was set by the government in 1990, where it pledged to cut carbon emissions by 34% by 2020. However the study revealed by 2009, the average home had 3.5 times more appliances and gadgets than 1990.
The figures are causing a stir, because even though we are living in an energy conscious age, our gadgets mean we are using more electricity than we did 5 years ago.
The research called, ‘Elephant In The Living Room’ was done by Dr Paula Owen who said, ‘Our love affair with domestic gadgets and gizmos has to change. Just because you have bought an efficient appliance, doesn’t mean you can use it carelessly and never switch off.’
The gadgets which use the most energy are big plasma TVs, fridge freezers and tumble dryers; most of which can be found in the majority of today’s households. The study also found the falling number of devices which were powered by disposable batteries contributed to the increase in energy usage.
It went on to recommend if each home was to replace its washing machine, dishwasher and fridge with a more energy efficient model, it would save households around £585 million on energy bills.
Dr Owen said, ‘Our domestic choices and behavior in our homes can make a bigger impact than people think.’
She added, ‘We need to ask ourselves is that ice-maker in the fridge a necessity? Do I need to leave those chargers on the whole time? Do I need a 50+ inch TV screen?’
The research revealed there is much more households can do to cut their electricity bills and carbon footprints, and that it is not all just about using energy saving lightbulbs. A change in buying behavior and cutting energy wastage in the home was vital.
It did however highlight an improvement from 2006, when government legislation banned things like patio heaters. However from 2009 the pattern changed; the main reason was the rise in popularity of computers and their accessories. In 1985 only 13% of households had a computer, but by 2009 this increased to 75%.
People are also choosing bigger appliances, like American style fridges, or massive plasma TVs to get a home cinema experience. And despite these being built with efficiency in mind, the bigger they are the more electricity the burn.
The way they use these must change in order to cut carbon emissions and energy bills.
