EU Energy labels on TV’s help spot eco-friendly models

Posted by Ross Lammas

It’s a minefield buying a new TV these days – LCD, Plasma, LED, screen size, surround sound… but has anyone noticed the new EU energy performance labels, similar to those found on washing machines and other ‘white’ goods? Probably not. Currently the scheme, introduced in December 2010, is only voluntary – mandatory labelling doesn’t come into force until November 2011. All new TV’s sold will then have to have an energy performance label and a rating from A to G. As a voluntary scheme it’s unlikely that the more energy hungry models will want to strut their stuff on energy usage. It is good news that energy labels are being introduced – sust-it has been comparing the energy usage and running costs of TVs, and it is amazing how products and brands differ. There is a whopping £164 per year in running costs between the most energy efficient 50″ plasma and the least. Over 5 years that’s a sizeable amount of money, not to mention the CO2 emissions. Look out for manufacturers and retailers trying to off load the more inefficient products before in-store customers start asking difficult questions!

Energy labels appear on TVs

Low emission ship brings the first Nissan Electric Cars to UK

Posted by Ross Lammas

The Port of Tyne has welcomed the world’s most energy efficient car carrier, bringing 60 Nissan LEAFS ready for their UK sales launch on March 1st. The carrier, the City of St Petersburg, has an aerodynamic bow, which reduces wind resistance by 50% and saves 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

Nissan is focusing on reducing CO2 emission across the board, so as well as manufacturing electric and environmentally friendly vehicles, they are working at reducing CO2 emissions during the production, transportation and sales processes.

A major step in reducing CO2 emissions will be in 2013 when LEAF production begins at Nissan’s Sunderland plant, until then they will continue to be imported from Japan for distribution to 25 UK Nissan EV dealerships.

Seven days in a Nissan LEAF

An ordinary week in a game-changing car! In 2011 Sust-it reported the arrival of the Nissan LEAF on our shores, now there are over 7,500 LEAFs on UK roads. We took-up Nissans 7-day test drive offer to see if the claimed 2p per mile fuel cost, really added up.

Eco-friendly Televisions make a huge step forward!

Posted by Ross Lammas

Sony introduces the Energy Saving Switch to its latest line up of TVs; have a guess what it does? Believe it or not it turns off the telly! Yes, it completely turns it off, no more standby, that’s technological progress!

Energy Saving Switch for Eco-friendly TVs

Is your washing machine over 10 years old?

Posted by Ross Lammas

Should you replace old inefficient unreliable washing machine, or old fridge. It certainly could be worth your while! If your fridge or fridge freezer is over 10 years old you could be consuming double as much in electricity, or three times as much if it is 18 years old, compared to an average performing modern fridge. Go for one of sust-it’s top performers and you save another 65% on top of that!

Old washing machines, fridge and fridge freezer waste energy

Old washing machines, fridges and fridge freezer waste energy!

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This applies to your washing machine too; if your machine is over 10 years old it could be burning over TWICE as much energy as the latest models. Worth considering especially when you add on 7% energy price hikes that have just happened, energy efficiency makes real sense!

How to choose a tumble dryer – vented or condenser?

Posted by Ross Lammas

OK, we know the most energy efficient way to dry our clothes is outdoors, but modern lifestyles don’t always allow for this, and a tumble dryer, for a busy family, is often seen as a necessity. But should you choose a vented or a condenser tumble dryer? And what else should you look for?

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Vented machines have those wiggly hoses that take the damp air produced by the drying process outside, so are restricted where you can put them. You either have to put a large hole in an outside wall, or dangle the hose attractively out of an open window. Vented machines are often cheaper to buy than condenser models and sometimes cost less to run. Not all machines come with a venting kit, so check this out before you buy.

Vented tumble driers require outside wall or opening window

The bonus of a condenser tumble dryer, is that they don’t need venting so can be put in almost any well-ventilated spot. They work by converting the moist air into water, diverting it to a tank, which is then emptied, however a full water reservoir can weigh up to 6kg! They have improved in energy efficiency in recent years and now condenser models rank top on Sust-it. But that doesn’t mean all models cost less to run, and you may need to pay a bit more for a decent appliance.

You will need to empty the water reservoir.

Energy efficiency

A tumble dryer can be one of the most energy guzzling appliances in our homes, with some appliances having an average running cost of over £150 per year! All machines will be given an energy and drying performance grading of A-G, A being the top. You can help cut down on energy use by not overloading and drying similar fabrics together. Also look for appliances that have a sensor to turn off the heater when clothes are dry.

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