Are you thinking about buying a new DVD player or upgrading from an older model? Watching movies is a great way to spend a few hours during a rainy evening or to wind down the day after work, but what are those cinematic adventures costing you in energy consumption? VCR and DVD players spend 96% of their time in standby and idle modes during which an estimated 90% of their total energy consumption occurs. However, Energy Star models can save on all that sapped energy, as they use as little as one quarter of the energy that standard models do when turned off.
Here’s what to do:
1. Before you do anything, if you are planning on replacing a DVD player, make sure that you don’t improperly dispose of your outdated electronics. They may contain materials harmful to health and the environment. Check the EPA’s website for a list of places where you can donate or recycle old electronics or check out Microsoft Hohm’s tips for what to do with electronics.
2. Now that you’ve properly disposed of that old DVD or VCR player, consult Energy Star's quick search tool to find out which brands and models of televisions qualify for the Energy Star rating.
3. Head out to your favorite consumer electronics retailer (or shop online) to select a premium-efficiency or Energy Star DVD player.
4. Bring your new DVD or VCR player home and install it, or arrange for an installation and setup with the retailer.
Tips
Use your computer as a DVD player. Instead of going out and buying a whole new DVD player, why not save money and use your computer? There are even guides online that will help you connect your computer to your TV! You can also use video game systems to play DVDs, but watch out – they consume far more power playing DVDs than regular DVD players do.
The scoop on power strips. Power strips and surge protectors are a great way to save money by reducing energy that’s consumed while electronics are in standby and idle modes. Simply plug all of your electronics into it and when you’re not watching a movie or playing video games, switch it off!
Blu-Ray. Blu-ray is one of the latest and most popular high definition technologies available, and it is also one of the greenest. Energy Star has additional information on Blu-ray players so that you can make the best and most energy efficient choice when buying a new DVD player.
Related links
Switch off these 8 commonly left on appliances
FAQ About Standby Power
Estimate Your Appliances’ Energy Use
--Keith Caswell