The basic unit of measure of electric power is the watt. Appliances and electrical devices are rated to use a specific number of watts. Usually the wattage is stamped somewhere on the item. Usage is measured in kilowatts, with a kilowatt being 1,000 watts of electricity. Your utility bills are based on the number of kilowatts you use per hour, which is known as kilowatt-hours (kwh). If you use 1,000 watts of electricity in one hour, you have used a kwh.
To calculate how much each electrical device costs to operate, divide the total watts of the item by 1,000. Then, multiply that by the number of hours the item is used per month. Finally, multiply that by your utility's kwh charge. If the wattage is not listed on the appliance, you can estimate it by finding the current draw (in amperes) and multiplying that by the voltage used by the appliance. Most appliances in the United States use 120 volts. Larger appliances – such as clothes dryers and electric cooktops – use 240 volts.
When measuring the current drawn by a motor, keep in mind the meter will show about three times the current in the first second the motor starts up than it will when it is running smoothly. Remember, too, that many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched "off." These "phantom loads" occur in VCRs, televisions, stereo equipment, computers and kitchen appliances. Most phantom loads will increase the appliance's energy consumption by a few watts per hour. These loads can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and turning off the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.
Check the average wattage of various appliances in this guide. Keep in mind models vary, so your may have a higher or lower wattage.
Once you know what your energy usage is, you can take control of improving your home's efficiency or conserving energy. Saving energy does not mean turning down the heater so much you end up cold. Find ways to make your home more energy efficient that save you money and make you more comfortable. Start by investigating your power bill. Then, find ways to be more energy efficient. Look for energy efficient appliances. Slash waste and put money in the bank.
According to the Department of Energy, through 2000, consumers saved a cumulative $28 billion and enough natural gas to heat 19 million typical homes in the United States for a year, thanks to energy efficiency standards, labeling programs and conservation. In the year 2000 alone, efficiency standards helped reduce the use of electricity by an amount equivalent to the output of 14 large power plants. Conservation benefits each electric consumer and the environment.
Privacy Policy Terms of Use