last updated 22nd September 05
By 4ecotips

Turning off appliances could save a small fortune

Figures released by the Energy Saving Trust suggest that students could unnecessarily add a collective £15 million to the cost of their yearly studies, simply by leaving appliances such as TVs, videos and computers on standby.

EST chief executive, Philip Sellwood, said that in light of rising tuition fees and increasing levels of debt, students needed to be aware of the financial implications of wasting energy in the home:

He went on: "It's easy to forget to switch everyday appliances such as TVs, videos and computers off properly, and many students do not even realise that just by leaving these appliances on standby they're throwing part of their loan down the drain. A VCR, for example, can use a whopping 85% of its total power consumption when left on standby! Students can make their much-needed funds stretch further just by remembering to turn their appliances off."

Ensuring appliances are switched off correctly is just one of the ways students can keep hold of their precious cash. The EST has put together some easy energy-saving measures, so students can start the year on track to saving both energy and money:

- Student houses may feel cooler than most, but turning down the central heating thermostat by just 10C could cut heating bills by up to 10%. A saving of up to £30 - that's enough for at least six take-aways.

- High efficiency light bulbs cost from just £3.50, or less than £1 each when split between 4 housemates. For each bulb fitted students can save up to £7 on their annual electricity bills. What's more, they last up to 12 times longer than normal ones, which might prevent the need to keep switching the last working bulb from the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the hallway!

- Fitting an insulating jacket to a hot water tank can reduce its heat loss by 75% a year. Whilst buying a jacket for a hot water tank may seem indulgent when students are struggling to buy their own, a £10 jacket can save up to £45 over the course of 3 years. The saving made could pay for over 340 cans of baked beans - that's a lot of beans on toast!

For more ideas on how to save both energy and at least enough money for an extra pint or two during freshers week, call the Energy Efficiency Helpline on 0845 727 7200 or log onto www.energysavingtrust.org.uk.