The Electronic Energy Meter

Taking a look at your hydro bill might give you an idea of how much energy you use, as well as a few groaning sighs when you realize how much money you’ll be forking over to keep all your electrical appliances ‘alive’. However, there is a handy device available that can give you an accurate reading on any of the energy using items in your home. It’s the Electronic Energy Meter and it’s helping many people to be a little greener.

Awareness can be the ‘spark’ that moves us to take action. So, just how much energy do your appliances use? How much do they sap when turned “off” or in sleep mode? Find out in seconds simply by plugging the appliance into the meter device and then plugging that into the outlet. The device will give you a wealth of information, depending on the model you have, such as consumption tracking, maximum current and wattage readings, energy cost calculations, and energy usage time.

The meter itself is battery powered so it doesn’t affect your reading of the appliance. So, what does it say? The figures may surprise you. Is your dishwasher truly energy efficient? How much energy does your computer monitor use when that little icon is bouncing around the screen? Even if not in use, does your coffee maker still drain power when plugged in? The answers can be enlightening, providing us with the motive to cut back on energy usage not only to save our pocketbook but the earth as well.

Remember a few simple tips:

• Turn off the television, playstation or any computers when they are not in use. Some devices can use up to 90% as much power even in standby mode.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient ones.
• Hang washed clothing out to dry rather than using a dryer whenever possible.
• When using your oven, plan to cook different things at once to save on energy consumption time.
• Of course, purchase energy star appliances.
• Heat up leftovers in the microwave, which takes less time, thus using less power.
• Keep heating and cooling temperatures to a minimum in your home.
• Before putting food in the fridge, make sure it’s cooled. Don’t open the door unnecessarily and keep it reasonably full to aid in efficient operation.

So, think of your usage readings and then multiply them by hundreds of thousands, highlighting what a power-hungry nation we are. All together, though, by implementing these ideas and others, we can make a difference. The meter reading is clear: it’s time to change!

Tagged as: Apartment, Condo, Electrical, Energy, Energy Audit, Energy Star, Home, Money