Members 'electricity descent' experiences
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Consumption when meter installed
Energy reductions
What we discovered We are already careful energy users but are using around 10kWh electricity per day on average (4 bed terraced house - 2 adults 2 kids)and are struggling to reduce this. Having the energy meter has shown just how important changing the light bulbs is.. We have loads of halogens and have struggled to find replacements. So we have just taken some of the bulbs out. We have found a CFL halogen replacement that we can fit in some of the fittings (in the loft), and we have one LED in use in the kitchen. The CFL is a better light, but it is a different shape so doesn't fit in the fittings in the kitchen. There is a dimmer and it is still working at the moment - maybe if we remember not to dim the lights. Elsewhere in the house we have been replacing dimmers with ordinary switches so CFLs perform better. We have an electric oven - definitely not an energy efficient choice - would choose gas next time. It is used a lot because we shop locally and do a lot of cooking and baking.
Dimmable compact flourescents are now available. Google 'dimmable cfl'
Useful resources
The Energy Saving Trust website
Will Smith's website has fascinating energy consumption information
'How to live a low-carbon life' Chris Goodall Earthscan 2007 £14.99 - will save you money.
'Saving the Planet without Costing the Earth' Donnachadh McCarthy Fusion Press 2004 £11.99
'Easy Eco Auditing' Donnachadh McCarthy Octopus Books 2008, £7.99
Also visit Donnachadh's 3acorns eco-audit website