From heating tools and websites to smart plugs and satellites, here are 10 gadgets to take the strain off your wallet
1 The Oxyvent TankAn Irish invention, the Oxyvent Tank improves the efficiency of your central heating by eliminating air locks. Recent scientific studies by Trinity College Dublin indicate that the Oxyvent Tank can provide 30 per cent to 50 per cent energy savings in home heating. It costs €900, plus installation (one day). Available direct from www.oxyvent.com.
2 Free channels with FreesatSince 2008, more than 140 television (and radio) channels, including BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, have been available in Ireland via satellite (see www.freesat.co.uk). All that is required is a once-off payment when you buy the decoder (starting from €90), and a satellite dish (starting from €45). Irish company Sat4free has just launched a competitive range of Freesat installation options for the domestic market (www.sat4free.ie). This puts an end to TV that typically costs from €260 per annum. Picture quality is excellent, although the programme guide could be better.
3 Reduce telephone bills with Skype OutSkype is well-known for its ability to make free voice and video calls between computers. But it also allows you to call landlines and mobiles cheaply with Skype Out using credit purchased on its website. Using a headset (from €12), the quality is acceptable. At a flat rate of €0.017 per minute, you can chat anytime for an hour to someone on the phone in Stockholm or Skibbereen. Texts are €0.09. www.skype.com.
4 Save gym fees with a Wii and My Fitness CoachThe latest best-selling fitness franchise for the Wii, My Fitness Coach, is not really a game and doesn't even require the Wii Fit Balance Board. Maya (below), your personal trainer, computes your vital information and creates a tailored exercise program to suit you. She then motivates your home-fitness routines (without shouting, thankfully) and monitors your progress. My Fitness Coach, €26.99 from cdwow.ie, (plus Wii, from €239.99 at Smyths/toys.ie) replacing gym fees, from €625 per annum.
5 Smart power with Standby SaverAs seen on Dragons' Den, the Standby-Saver plug board redeems a small fortune on wasted electricity by automatically powering-down your home-entertainment appliances to zero so you don't have to. Versatile and good value at £19.99 (€21.43), it can recoup the investment in six months. www.energybulbs.co.uk.
6 Free computer stuffThere's usually a free download that's just as good as branded software. OpenOffice.org provide free office applications that even allow you to send finished work around in PDF and Microsoft formats. Clamwin is a widely-regarded free anti-virus tool which, together with the free WinPatrol, can help your PC fight off computer-nasties instead of expensive Norton utilities. Available from download.com.
7 Rechargeable batteriesIf you use a lot of remote-controls in your home then it makes sense to invest in rechargeable batteries. Chargers start from €15, various batteries are €5 for four from Lidl. Kids and gamers take note.
8 Save batteries with Reelight magnetic dynamo lightsThe Reelight works when magnets, fixed to the wheels, spin past a copper coil embedded in the lights as you cycle, powering the front and rear lamps by magnetic induction. The "revolutionary" no-friction dynamo, Reelight is the closest thing to magic on a bike since Elliot took to the skies with ET. Available direct from reelight.com and Cycleways in Parnell St, Dublin 1. €39.99/49.99.
9 The Hammer GadgetLearn DIY with video tutorials from videojug.com. Clearly explaining repairs and patches of every description, the short videos will help you fix most daily problems in jig time and make good use of that hammer gadget.
10 Internet salesLike any retailer, Amazon offers end-of-line sales. Use the Deallocker search tool to rummage through the gigantic bargain bins on the world's largest retail website (deallocker.com/tool/secret-amazon-discount/). Find the best airfares with Kayak.com. It searches a host of airlines (but not Ryanair) for the best fares, even teasing out the hidden charges, saving oodles of time and money.
