Cool it, overheated consumers urged

OVERHEATED consumers must switch on to saving energy.

That's the message from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), who want home owners to do their bit this week by turning down their heating by just one degree - and save up to 10% on their heating bill in the process. Energy use in the home accounts for about a third of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland, which is more than either transport or industry, according to current statistics.

An SEI survey of things that irk people reveals how bad habits around the house are adding to the problem - and the costs.

The survey found that about one in 10 people get really hot and bothered by windows and doors being left open when the central heating is on.

Leaving the immersion on after use made 11% boil over, while 13% see red over lights being left on in empty rooms.

But what really got people hot under the collar was leaving the TV on in an empty room. That annoyed almost 20% of 1,000 people polled in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

Just under a third listed switching off lights as the main priority at night before going to bed.

Only about 20% ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off and a similarly low figure check that the cooker is off.

A priority for 16% of people is turning off the heating and 13% make sure the television set is switched off at source.

But for 5%, putting the cat out still tops their list of things to do before bed before any consideration is given to sockets and switches.

The survey also delved into people's favourite way of warming up at home and found that 30% simply turned up the heating. Eating something warm took the chill off 29%, while 18% cuddled up under the duvet to watch TV.

Tom Halpin of SEI said they hoped this year's campaign would be as successful as last year's one.

"Our campaign really hit home last year with more people turning off television sets and switching off appliances before going to bed," he said.