{"id":2281,"date":"2013-01-18T11:00:03","date_gmt":"2013-01-18T16:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/?p=2281"},"modified":"2015-02-12T17:46:52","modified_gmt":"2015-02-12T22:46:52","slug":"how-to-save-energy-at-home-using-a-power-meter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-save-energy-at-home-using-a-power-meter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Save Energy at Home Using a Power Meter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>By using a power meter to understand how the appliances in your home are using energy, you can cut your electric bills by as much as 10 to 20 percent and become more energy efficient.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Certain plugged-in appliances, along with charger cords and power strips, continue to consume \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cvampire power\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d when they\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re not in use and are some of the biggest energy wasters.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 This article explains how you can use a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">power meter<\/a> <\/strong>to identify the vampire power culprits and high-energy use appliances in your home so you can reduce overall energy costs.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-522-thinktank.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/m-522-thinktank.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright  wp-image-2285\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Save energy at home using a power meter\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/MP900385991.jpg\" alt=\"Save energy at home using a power meter\" width=\"378\" height=\"270\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>What is Vampire Power?<span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Vampire power (aka \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cstandby power\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d or \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cphantom load\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d) is a term used to describe the electricity used by appliances like TV sets, cable boxes, cell-phone chargers, computers and other gadgets when they are plugged in but <strong><em>not in use<\/em><\/strong>. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0It is estimated that the average U.S. household has 20 to 40 devices that suck vampire power.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Although each device consumes only a small amount of electricity when \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201coff,\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d the U.S. Department of Energy reports that the average U.S. household spends about $100 per year to power devices while they are off or in standby mode.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the proliferation of rechargeable gadgets, computer networks and devices with standby power functions, vampire power has been on the rise during the past decade.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Examples include:\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-2287\" style=\"margin: 10px;\" title=\"Charger cords consumer vampire power\" src=\"http:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/01\/MP900402445.jpg\" alt=\"Charger cords consumer vampire power\" width=\"224\" height=\"275\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Charger cords and AC adaptors<\/strong> \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 A cell phone or computer charging cord plugged into an outlet draws a constant supply of energy, even when the batteries are fully charged or the device is not connected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Appliances with display screens<\/strong> \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 Coffee makers or microwave ovens with a digital clock use energy continuously to power the clock.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Gadgets in standby mode<\/strong> \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u20ac\u0153 A printer or computer in \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201csleep\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d or standby mode is still consuming energy so it can turn on instantly when you want to use it.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 So are TV sets that go on immediately when you press the remote control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Identify Your Energy Wasting Appliances<span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/h2>\n<p>A wall outlet <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">power meter<\/a><\/strong> (or energy monitor or watt meter) is an energy usage monitoring device you can use to accurately measure the amount of electricity used by an appliance and identify which ones are using the most power.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 A power meter will help you find those devices that are consuming vampire power as well as any older appliances that you may want to replace with more energy-efficient models.<a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6115-kill-a-watt-electricity-usage-monitor.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-6115-kill-a-watt-electricity-usage-monitor.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" title=\"Connect appliances to the Kill A Watt and it will assess its efficiency.\" src=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/images\/Product\/medium\/p3_kill_a_watt.jpg\" alt=\"Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor\" width=\"250\" height=\"217\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>It\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s easy to use a wall outlet <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">power meter<\/a><\/strong>.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Just plug any 120-volt appliance into it and plug the power meter into a wall socket.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The power meter begins counting wattage usage instantly.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Leave the power meter and appliance connected for as long as you typically use the appliance.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If it\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s a window air conditioner, for instance, leave the unit running until the room cools down to your preferred temperature.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 If you want to check your old basement freezer, keep it plugged into the power meter for 24 hours.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 The power meter will tell you exactly how much electricity the appliance used in that amount of time.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Know the True Cost of Running an Appliance<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some power meters, like the <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8021-p3-international-p4460-kill-o-watt-ez-electric-usage.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-8021-p3-international-p4460-kill-o-watt-ez-electric-usage.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Kill A Watt EZ Electric Usage<\/a><\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0and the\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9009-p3-kill-a-watt-power-monitoring-for-dummies.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/p-9009-p3-kill-a-watt-power-monitoring-for-dummies.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">Kill A Watt Power Monitoring for Dummies<\/a>,<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0can also figure out the cost of energy used by each appliance you test. \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Enter your cost per kilowatt-hour (which you can find on your utility bill) into the meter and the power meter will do the math for you and display that information in dollars and cents.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><em>Use this Data to Save Money<\/em><span style=\"font-size: 13px;\">\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once you know how much an appliance contributes to your energy costs, you can use that knowledge to save money.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Some easy energy-reducing steps include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Using the appliance less;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Using the appliance at lower-cost times of day (ask your utility provider when those are);<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Unplugging charger cords when not in use;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Using a power strip as a central &#8220;turn off&#8221; point\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0to completely disconnect the power supply to several pieces of equipment at one time;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Using a <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-358-energy-savers-surge-protectors.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-358-energy-savers-surge-protectors.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">&#8220;Smart&#8221; power strip<\/a><\/strong> that works on either timers, occupancy sensing or current sensing to automatically reduce \u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0the vampire power consumed by devices and appliances when they are not is use;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Replacing old appliances with newer <strong><a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.doe.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/tips-shopping-appliances');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.doe.gov\/energysaver\/articles\/tips-shopping-appliances\" target=\"_blank\">Energy Star<\/a><\/strong> rated models.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>And here\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s one last important tip:<\/strong>\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Bring your <a onclick=\"javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('\/outgoing\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx');\"  href=\"http:\/\/www.diycontrols.com\/c-211-energy-usage-monitoring.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>power meter<\/strong><\/a> with you when you go shopping for new appliances so you can compare the energy usage and costs of different brands and models right there in the store.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By using a power meter to understand how the appliances in your home are using energy, you can cut your electric bills by as much as 10 to 20 percent and become more energy efficient.\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0 Certain plugged-in appliances, along with charger cords and power strips,&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/how-to-save-energy-at-home-using-a-power-meter\/\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,190],"tags":[399,398],"class_list":["post-2281","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home-monitoring-security","category-miscellaneous","tag-energy-usage-monitor","tag-power-meter","clearfix"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2281","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2281"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2281\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5174,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2281\/revisions\/5174"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2281"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2281"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.diycontrols.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2281"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}