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Energy costs seem to always be on the rise, so it’s more important now than ever to keep a close watch on how much energy you’re using in your home. By understanding where and how you’re using electricity, you can make informed decisions about what to change. In the video above, energy efficiency expert Paul Scheckel shows a few practical ways to monitor electricity use in your home. Read on to learn some energy-saving tips and how to keep tabs on how much power you’re using.
Understanding Your Electric Meter
The electric meter outside your home is the first place to start when monitoring your electricity use. This device measures the amount of electricity your household consumes over time.
Reading Your Electric Meter
- Locate the meter on the exterior of your home.
- Identify the type of meter (analog or digital).
- Record the numbers displayed.
- Compare readings over time to track consumption.
Observing Meter Speed
The speed at which your meter spins or updates can provide valuable information about your current electricity usage. A faster-spinning dial or rapidly changing digital display indicates higher energy consumption.
Changes in Speed
If you notice an unexpected change in your meter speed or energy consumption, it might be due to a malfunctioning appliance. By catching these problems early, you can address them before they lead to higher energy bills.
Energy-Efficient Lighting in Your Home
Lighting can account for a huge portion of your electricity use, so using energy-efficient bulbs can lead to big savings.
Comparing Light Bulb Efficiency
Different light bulb types vary greatly in their energy efficiency.
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): Use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Incandescent bulbs: Least efficient, converting only 10% of energy to light
- LED bulbs: Most efficient, using up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs
Smart Lighting Solutions
Implementing smart lighting can further reduce your electricity consumption. Consider the following:
- Motion sensors for outdoor and less-used areas
- Dimmer switches to adjust light levels as needed
- Smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely or programmed
Benefits of LED and Smart Bulbs
Energy-saving lighting options like LEDs and smart bulbs may cost more at first, but they last longer than regular incandescent bulbs and help save electricity. Over time, the investment pays off through lower utility bills and fewer replacements.
Using Appliance Meters
If you want to track the energy usage of a single appliance, using an appliance meter is the easiest way to do it.
How Appliance Meters Work
To use an appliance meter, plug your appliance into the meter and then plug the meter into the wall outlet. The meter will typically display the following:
- Current power draw in watts
- Energy consumption over time
- Estimated cost based on your electricity rate
Benefits of Appliance Meters
Using appliance meters can help you do the following:
- Identify energy-hungry devices
- Calculate the operating cost of specific appliances
- Make informed decisions about replacing inefficient equipment
Whole-House Monitoring Systems
If you want to monitor more than just one or two appliances, a whole-house monitoring system is more practical. Whole-house monitoring systems offer real-time data and detailed analysis for all the breakers in your house.
Types of Whole-House Monitors
There are several types of whole-house monitoring systems available:
- Current sensors that clip onto wires in your electrical panel
- Optical sensors that attach to your existing meter
You can attach optical sensors to your outdoor meter yourself without having to hire an electrician. These sensors send their readings to a nearby display box, which you can watch. However, for current sensors, it helps to have an experienced electrician on the job.
Have an electrician install current sensors onto individual circuits in the main breaker box. As seen in the video above, the sensors send data to a power management box, which transfers your information to your computer. You can check your data online to see when and where you’re using the most electricity.
Features and Benefits
Whole-house monitoring systems typically offer the following:
- Breakdown of energy use by circuit or appliance
- Historical consumption trends
- Mobile app or web interface for easy access
- Real-time energy use data
These systems can help you identify patterns in your energy use and make targeted improvements to reduce consumption.
Phantom Power Issues
Phantom power, also known as standby power, refers to the electricity that devices consume when they’re turned off but still plugged in. This hidden energy drain can account for a significant portion of your electricity bill.
Identifying Phantom Power Users
Common culprits for phantom power include:
- Computers and monitors
- Kitchen appliances with digital displays
- Phone chargers
- Printers and scanners
- Televisions and cable boxes
Solutions for Reducing Phantom Power
- Use power strips to completely cut power to multiple devices.
- Invest in smart power strips that automatically cut power to peripherals.
- Unplug devices that are rarely used.
Timed Power Strips
Timed power strips can be programmed to cut power to devices during specific hours, such as overnight when office equipment isn’t in use. These strips let homeowners save power without having to adjust any settings. However, they may cause certain devices to reboot every time they turn off, so consider that when choosing what type of power strip to use.
Controlled Power Strips
In addition to basic power strips, you can use advanced solutions like controlled power strips. These power strips sense when an appliance is turned off and cut power to all connected devices. When you turn off your computer, the strip will also turn off your monitor, printer, and speakers. The layout of each strip is different, so your setup will vary depending on what devices you plug into the “control” and “automatically switched” outlets on the strip.
Environmental Impact of Energy Usage
In addition to saving money on energy bills, cutting down on your electricity usage can put less strain on the environment. For more tips on how to help the environment by saving energy, check out the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s article on reducing the environmental impact of your energy use.