ENERGY SAVINGS

Five tips to
lower home entertainment
energy costs.

Are you ready to turn down the energy bill drama and enjoy a blockbuster show? From streaming your favourite shows to gaming marathons and everything in between, we have the tips and tricks you need to keep your entertainment appliances in check. Let's dive in and discover how to lower your energy costs without sacrificing any of the white-knuckle excitement. Home entertainment has never looked so green and clean.

Stream smartly
From Netflix to YouTube, streaming is the go-to way to watch, with 69% of Australians using at least one streaming service. To save energy during your kids’ Bluey binge-watch, streaming at a lower resolution will reduce your electricity usage without compromising on their viewing experience.

Most streaming platforms offer different video quality options. Lowering the resolution to 480p or 720p instead of streaming in full HD or 4K can reduce the amount of data and energy required to display the content. Be mindful of background streaming. Close any streaming apps or videos that are not actively playing to avoid unnecessary energy use.

More is not always more
Sure, you get that cinematic experience in your own home, yet large TVs mean a higher energy consumption. Try to choose an energy-efficient TV size that suits your viewing needs and the dimensions of your room, in the smallest size that works for you. Another way to save is to fine-tune the brightness, contrast and backlight settings on your TV. Reducing these levels can decrease energy consumption while still providing a sweet viewing experience.

Choose LCD over plasma TVs
LCD TVs are the reigning champions of energy efficiency. Since they use LED backlighting, they require around half as much power compared to the energy-hungry phosphors in plasma screens. Think of it as switching from a petrol car to an eco-friendly hybrid. Plasma TVs are now quite outdated and most manufacturers only make LCDs. They’re bulkier too, so consider upgrading to a sleek and slim LCD model.

Update games console software
If you like to game, an easy way to maximise your energy saving is to ensure you regularly update your gaming software. Outdated software can drain more energy. An update can help reduce energy consumption thanks to performance improvements and bug fixes that optimise your console. 

Finally–avoid leaving your games console on standby. They drain a significant amount of energy-almost 50% of the Xbox One’s annual electricity consumption is when it is on “connected standby” mode.

Become the master of your entertainment
With so many electronics to switch off, leaving them on standby overnight is easy to do. If your living space has a chaotic tangle of TV, gaming, speaker and DVD wires fighting for space, powering down your many appliances can be come effortless with a smart power strip.

With a smart power strip, you can control the connected appliances' power supply easily from a smart phone app. You will be able to turn off devices that are not in use, even if you're not in the same room. Perfect for when you've left the TV on at night, and you don't want to traipse back downstairs from bed.

Summary

• When streaming, lower the resolution to 480p or 720p instead of streaming in full HD or 4K.
• Opt for the smallest, energy-efficient TV size that suits your viewing needs and the dimensions of your room.
• Regularly update your games console to enhance its energy efficiency and always turn it off completely.
• Switch your plasma TV to a more efficient LCD one.
• Use a smart power strip to synchronise turning off all your entertainment appliances at once.
  
  

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.

For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.

Sources

https://www.finder.com.au/internet-tv-streaming-statistics
https://calculator.energyrating.gov.au/TVDetail.aspx
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/video-game-consoles-IP.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/manage-your-energy/home-energy-tips/appliances/home-entertainment

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.