After a two or three week wait, I now have one taking measurements all over the house. So far, it has confirmed two things:
- Electronic devices use a lot of phantom power. Switching them off by using a power bar can save $20 a year per tv/dvd set. More if you turn off the satellite or cable box too.
- All of my "luxury" items like tv, computer, and so forth are minor. Combined, I expect them to represent about 10% of my annual spending on electricity. Heat and hot water account for the vast majority of it.
Don't want to wait? Buy a Kill-A-Watt at ThinkGeek and support this project.
2 comments:
That's fantastic that Canada provides energy meters for free. What a great idea to suggest to our local power companies here in Seattle...
Absolutely! They are cheap, easy to use, and make such a difference! I was surprised that the distribution through the library system was so easy. Inspired! I could reserve it just like a book and I picked it up in a little container with instructions and website links. Perfect!
Let me know if you lobby your local authority. I'll send you whatever I can find on our local program.
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