Household Energy Conservation Basics

A real start to understanding energy use is knowing how much power things use. Many appliances use a lot of power but in short bursts. A microwave uses 750 watts per hour, but it only takes five minutes to cook a potato. That's only 62 watts!
Common power usages per hour (watts):
TV 25" color
130
Microwave
750
TV 19" color
60
Exhaust Fan
50
Satellite Reciever
43
Coffee pot
1200
VCR
30
Food Processor
1200
Stereo
15
Toaster
1200
CB system
10
Gas stove
200
Cellular Phone
10-24
Computer and Monitor
140
Mini-fluorescent light bulb
22
Typewriter
200
Electric clock
10
Sewing Machine
150
Clock- Radio
10
Hair dryer
1500
Iron
1500
Whirlpool bath
750
Clothing Washer
450
Electric blanket
250
Gas dryer
250
Garage door opener
300
Dishwasher
1500
Ozone air cleaner
40
Trash Compactor
1500
2-hp table saw
2250
Can opener
100
Grinder
600
Trash Compactor
490
Drill
300
For more appliance power usages figures
Kill-a-Watt meter
This handy Kill-a-Watt Meter measures the power usage of individual appliances. You can figure out your electrical expenses by the hour, day, week, month, even an entire year.
Call Wholesale Solar to order:
1 800 472-1142
Product
Item
Price
Kill-a-Watt Meter
9900010
$35

Tips for Lowering Energy Use in Your Home
Heating water uses a lot of energy
The 15 percent of energy used in heating water in an average home can be lowered considerably by using a simple formula of insulating and conserving.
  • Wrap your gas or electric water heater in an insulative jacket.
  • Lower the thermostat to 110 degrees F to optimize efficiency.
  • Wrap the pipes coming directly from the water heater.
  • Use on-demand hot water circulation.
  • Use aerators at the faucet to reduce hot and cold water flow.
  • Use low-flow shower heads to help reduce water flow by 50%.
Thomas Edison would be turning in his grave if he knew abot the available technology and the lack of its application in the multi-billion dollar light bulb industry.
  • Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They use 70 percent less energy than incandescents, last up to ten times longer than conventional bulb and don't compromise any light.
  • Evaluate your light usage. Low wattage task lighting can replace high energy overheads.
  • Make use of incoming and indirect sunlight. Do your reading, working, and living in areas with the most light.
  • Light colored paint reflects more light, making your home brighter.
  • Skylights can be a added improvement to darker areas.
Use fluorescent lighting to save energy
Some appliances draw close to the amount of power when turned off as they do when on. Phantom loads draw electricity 24 hours a day, even when the appliance is turned off.
A simple solution is to plug into a power strip, and turn the power strip 'off' when items are not in use.

Common phantom load users include:

  • Computer Equipment
  • Stereos
  • Televisions
  • VCR's
  • Glow bars in gas ovens
  • Electronic phones
  • Anything with a small 'box' on the power cord

For more energy savings tips.
Buy plug strips and use them!
use power strips to save energy