Televisions (TVs), VCRs, and DVDs
Many new TVs and DVDs now have the Energy Star® label. This is an international program adopted by Natural Resources Canada to promote energy efficiency. Only products that meet the Energy Star® criteria can carry this label, so the Energy Star® symbol is a simple way for Canadians to identify energy efficient electronics.Many consumer electronic products continue to use electricity even when switched off. Some power is needed to accept commands from the remote control and maintain items in memory such as the time, date, pre-set recording and alarm events and other user-selected options. When turned off, Energy Star®qualified televisions, TV/VCR combinations and DVDs or other audio products can consume up-to-75 per cent less electricity than conventional products in the off mode.
Great strides have been taken to make electronics energy efficient without sacrificing their features or function. The Energy Star® specification focuses on reducing energy consumption while the product is in the standby mode.
Televisions
The Energy Star® criterion for TVs on standby power is one watt maximum in power consumption. Non Energy Star® units consume up-to-12 watts in standby mode. Energy Star® qualified TVs use about 25 per cent less energy than conventional units when turned on. Standard TVs, high definition and plasma TVs all have Energy Star® models available.
Digital Video Discs (DVDs) Players
The Energy Star® criteria stipulate a maximum standby power of one watt. Non-Energy Star®V units use up-to-10 watts in standby mode. When they're off, Energy Star® qualified DVD products consume as little as 10 per cent of the energy used by standard models. Energy Star®qualified DVD players come with all the latest features, including progressive scan.
Combination Units
The Energy Star® criteria for combination units range from one watt to six watts for maximum standby power, dependent on the size and combination used.
Energy Saving Tips
- If not in use, turn it off. Switching on and off does not affect the life of electronic components.
- When buying new, look for Energy Star® components and power management features.
- When leaving home for more than a day, unplug all components, this not only saves energy, but also protects them from any damage due to potential power line surges.
