<![CDATA[Grist - Comment Feed for Giant power sucking sound]]> Grist Comment Feed en Comment #1 by meander http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/ Sat, 25 Mar 2006 02:49:54 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/1 Labels, and already purchased appliances

Labeling that explains the expected future stand-by energy costs might also help, but given the American consumers singular concern for the selling price, it probably won't work.  

But what can we do about the current collection of stand-by energy hogs?  Most people don't have the tools to identify which of their appliances is using 30 watts at idle and which is using 1 watt.  They therefore won't be able to know which ones are worth unplugging when not in use.   Perhaps an energy conservation agency could let people borrow a device which measures stand-by energy consumption.  Does a simple, user-friendly device like that exist?  

]]> Labels, and already purchased appliances

Labeling that explains the expected future stand-by energy costs might also help, but given the American consumers singular concern for the selling price, it probably won't work.  

But what can we do about the current collection of stand-by energy hogs?  Most people don't have the tools to identify which of their appliances is using 30 watts at idle and which is using 1 watt.  They therefore won't be able to know which ones are worth unplugging when not in use.   Perhaps an energy conservation agency could let people borrow a device which measures stand-by energy consumption.  Does a simple, user-friendly device like that exist?  

]]> Comment #2 by odograph http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/ Sat, 25 Mar 2006 06:15:09 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/2 sure

The "kill-a-watt" monitor has been discussed here a few times.  It is $30 at amazon.

Using mine I see that my recent vintage consumer electronics do draw about 1 watt on standby.  The worst were some powered computer speakers (5 watts) that I unplugged.

I am a bit of a sceptic about that microwave claim, but I've got an oldish Sharp Carousel, so I'll check it out ... if I remember overnight tonight.

]]> sure

The "kill-a-watt" monitor has been discussed here a few times.  It is $30 at amazon.

Using mine I see that my recent vintage consumer electronics do draw about 1 watt on standby.  The worst were some powered computer speakers (5 watts) that I unplugged.

I am a bit of a sceptic about that microwave claim, but I've got an oldish Sharp Carousel, so I'll check it out ... if I remember overnight tonight.

]]> Comment #3 by Vincenze http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/ Sun, 26 Mar 2006 17:47:44 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/3 simple:

Gadgets and governments won't do much.  

Labels (as meander said) on products saying how energy efficient, and hence dollar efficient will do lots.

The power lies with the consumer to choose more energy efficient products, but of course they have to be informed of the efficiency before they can make a valid decision.

As for the microwave... don't buy one.  Ask yourself; do I really need a microwave?  Personally, I'd never go back to using one, the food tastes much better cooked the old fashion way and it ain't all that much quicker either.

Vincenze.

http://vincenze.com

]]> simple:

Gadgets and governments won't do much.  

Labels (as meander said) on products saying how energy efficient, and hence dollar efficient will do lots.

The power lies with the consumer to choose more energy efficient products, but of course they have to be informed of the efficiency before they can make a valid decision.

As for the microwave... don't buy one.  Ask yourself; do I really need a microwave?  Personally, I'd never go back to using one, the food tastes much better cooked the old fashion way and it ain't all that much quicker either.

Vincenze.

http://vincenze.com

]]> Comment #4 by odograph http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/ Mon, 27 Mar 2006 06:27:20 -0800 http://www.grist.org/article/giant-power-sucking-sound/4 heat

I don't suppose that I technically "cook" anything in my microwave ... at least not often.  I use it to "heat" things, things that are already cooked.  For that it is certainly easier and more energy efficient than heating up a conventional oven.

As far as my results, it seems my old Carousel II draws about 2 watts on standby.  I racked up 0.05 kWh in 27 hours.  If my math is right, that steady drain is equivalent to running the 1000w microwave for about 3 min. on full power.  So all I need to do is "heat" for more than 3 min per day, and I'm using more effective power than I'm throwing away to the trickle drain.  It's all peanuts anyway.

Not because cost is the issue, but just because it makes it easier for people to think of it in terms of their current electric bill - if you have a microwave somewhat like mine, this trickle drain accounts for 22 cents of your bill each month, $1.45 of your bill each year.

If you want to be energy efficient, start with the biggies - especially your refrigerator.

]]> heat

I don't suppose that I technically "cook" anything in my microwave ... at least not often.  I use it to "heat" things, things that are already cooked.  For that it is certainly easier and more energy efficient than heating up a conventional oven.

As far as my results, it seems my old Carousel II draws about 2 watts on standby.  I racked up 0.05 kWh in 27 hours.  If my math is right, that steady drain is equivalent to running the 1000w microwave for about 3 min. on full power.  So all I need to do is "heat" for more than 3 min per day, and I'm using more effective power than I'm throwing away to the trickle drain.  It's all peanuts anyway.

Not because cost is the issue, but just because it makes it easier for people to think of it in terms of their current electric bill - if you have a microwave somewhat like mine, this trickle drain accounts for 22 cents of your bill each month, $1.45 of your bill each year.

If you want to be energy efficient, start with the biggies - especially your refrigerator.

]]>