local technology
TV Tech by Kenny McIntyre Energy Saving Tech
With the price of electricity soaring in recent years any measures or advice you can act on to save electricity, both reducing your costs and carbon footprint, are well worth doing. One of the simplest things you can do is turn off your television at the on/off switch or at the switch on the wall when not in use as some tv’s consume as much power when on “standby” as when in use. Freeview and satellite receivers can be switched to standby when not in use, but not completely switched off at the wall plug every night as they require the standby power to occasionally receive software downloads through the night. Sky boxes have an auto standby function which can be set up in the Services menu enabling the box to switch to standby after several hours of inactivity.
On choosing a new TV, LED TV’s are the most eco-friendly, normally using a minimum of 40% less power than other flat screen TV’s. When having an aerial system installed, where possible choose a passive system - for example, a high gain aerial or splitters instead of mains powered amplifiers (High gain aerials bring in more signal at source). Since Digital Switchover it is my experience that some existing aerial systems can have their amplifier removed or replaced with a passive splitter as the signal strength of the transmission has increased.
I would also recommend generating your own free electricity as we have done at Millennium Group HQ by installing twenty solar pv panels on our roof giving us a 3.7kw array. This is also a great financial investment offering us a return of up to 15% index linked annually for 25 years through the government feed in tariff. This means we export our excess electricity to the National Grid.
Recently Inverclyde Council have announced up to 50% grants towards solar pv panel system installations for residents of Inverclyde and that these grants will be primarily available to people in fuel poverty. The Energy Saving Trust also provide interest free loans for both domestic and commercial properties.
The Millennium Group now include Millennium Solar Energy Limited who can provide you with information and advice on solar pv panels, tailored to your individual needs. There is no hard sell, we are trained engineers not pushy sales people.
For further help or advice with tv reception or solar panels call Kenny McIntyre or Clare Alderson on 07940 585830 or email millenniumaerials@
tiscali.co.uk . Also see our website
www.aerials4u.co.uk. Next months issue will cover a new product review and more frequently asked questions.
Coats Observatory Winter Viewing Nights
Until 29th March - Coats Observatory, 49 Oakshaw Street West, Paisley, PA1 2DE. 6.30pm - 9pm. Last entry 8.45pm
These sessions are free and there is no
need to book. An opportunity to view the wonders of the night sky up close through powerful telescopes housed in the building. See the moon, the planets and other astronomical wonders as never before!
Do you have High Blood Pressure?
Around 20% of UK adults have high blood pressure or Hypertension. Raised blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Once diagnosed and treated, most patients assume that their blood pressure will remain under control; the reality is that in many patients the pressure will continue to slowly rise.
If you are taking medication, it is important to attend your surgery every 6-9 months for a blood pressure check. For most patients an annual check of kidney function by taking a blood test and urine sample is also important.
Your doctor will be very happy to see you and advise on optimum blood pressure control.
If not on treatment, a check every 3-5yrs in the over 40s can ensure that rising blood pressure is picked up early.
Five things that we can all do to help lower our blood pressure include: 1. Stop smoking.
2. Reduce alcohol to less than 14 units per week (1 unit = 125ml glass of wine or a pub measure of spirit or ½ pint of lager or beer).
3. Try to bring our weight down to normal levels (search “Body Mass Index” online to find your ideal weight). 4. Exercise 3-4 times per week (busy jobs don’t count!). 5. Try to reduce salt intake.
Remember, if on treatment a check at your practice every 6-9 months is important. When was your last check? If you can’t remember you are probably overdue!
Article supplied by Dr McLaren & Partners, Bridge of Weir & Houston
18 |JANUARY 2012 | your LOCAL news every month - in print and online |
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