Friday, March 6, 2009

Slaying the Energy Vampires

The Electric bill came in much higher than expected last month. Several things contributed, the cold (extra heaters running to warm some of the corners), and a price increase were probably the two biggest factors. However, our usage was much higher than I expected, and that is a problem we need to address if we are ever going to make the jump to energy independence. We have done all the usual things, turning the thermostat down (off), replacing all the light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, turning things off, buying energy star appliances when we needed something new. So now we are on a quest to eliminate the energy drains you don't see. All the things that are plugged in and sucking power even when they are off. To help us we are adding a new tool to the toolbox. It's a watt meter.



You plug it in the wall and then plug in what ever electric gadget through the meter and it tells you how many watt hours that item draws. It should be interesting to find our energy vampires and slay them.

3 comments:

themanicgardener said...

Given your recent mouse-stomping goings-on, I admit I clicked on this post expecting something quite different. But this, too, is interesting. Looking forward to hearing the results of your new gizzmo...
--Kate

themanicgardener said...

I'd better explain that expectation: I came to this post via Blotanical, where it appears as "Slay..." in the Picks list. See how I might have been misled?
--Kate

Unknown said...

It's been a while since I've ambled by and to my delight, you have offered knowledge that I did not possess. I like the watt meter. Pray tell, where does one purchase such a device? Can I get one at a local hardware store?

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