How to get the kids to switch off the lights!

victory

We have those energy bulbs that OH hates because they take forever to heat up and project light and they say they last for up to 6 years but we have replaced most of them a lot less time than that, as I sit here the downstairs hall light my eldest has left on whilst ironing in the hall way and has gone upstairs to have a wash without SWITCHING THE DAMN LIGHT OFF:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

natbags

everytime i find something left on i fine them from their pocketmoney, seems to focus the mind quite well!

mysparrow

I have used a 'fee' of 50p -£1 per light left on. This worked like a charm! For the communal areas (hall, landing, bathroom etc) if no one confessed then they both had to cough up (they never did cotton on that if one of them confessed they could then half the cost between them!). They are both at uni now but during holidays the same rules apply.

In addition I use something similar to this gadget http://www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/Standby_Energy_Saving_Kit.html
You plug in your equipment via this & then the remote allows you to turn off any attached equipment remotely. I have the TV, amp, dvd, lamps connected up & it's great being able to turn them all off with just one button.
The great thing is the remote can be used from anywhere in the house. So we had one in each of the boys rooms, all their stuff was plugged in via this. If they were downstairs & I knew they'd left all the stuff on I could simply press the button! They soon started to switch off for themselves. Of course the downside is they can by-pass this by just unplugging the gadget but regular inspections (& threat of more fines!) work well.
It's also supposed to save some cash each year - but to be honest I got more benefit from using it as a 'training tool' & being able to switch everything off without getting off the sofa!

missprice

victory wrote: »

We have those energy bulbs that OH hates because they take forever to heat up and project light and they say they last for up to 6 years but we have replaced most of them a lot less time than that, as I sit here the downstairs hall light my eldest has left on whilst ironing in the hall way and has gone upstairs to have a wash without SWITCHING THE DAMN LIGHT OFF:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

i have the low energy bulbs
all came free from some power company or other and they are still working after 6 and 7 years
they stay on all the time
is one in kitchen which despite 2 windows is pitch dark most of the year
one in bathroon to save our shins and toes from injury (well ok mine cos i am ever so clumsy:) )
and one in living room which originally stayed on cos we had massive trees in the way that blocked the light
but they were pulled down last year so no excuse now really

my leccy bill is arpund £400 a year and do all cooking on elec
so i have no defence its me that wont turn lights off so i cant expect the brats to do it
although my son drives me mad with his puter being on 24/7
more cos i can hear it than what it costs but still!!!

markmead

I'd suggest buying an energy meter - some of the energy companies are now offering these to encourage customers to join up with them. They're a great way of illustrating how much energy your kids (and yourself) are using. If they can help save you a few quid here and there, then maybe you can illustrate that they might get an increase in their allowance? Bribery always seems to work with kids!!

themull1

If i find the kids tv's on or their lights on and they've gone out or are downstairs, i just take 25p out of their money box, and tell them i've done it.