We’ve been putting our energy-savings plan into action over the last couple of weeks. We accepted the challenge to try and conserve energy, and then we outlined a specific plan of attack designed around getting the most bang for the buck.
It took a little bit of effort to figure out where our savings could come from, so I thought I’d take a minute to share what I learned. Here’s a list of the household appliances we decided to focus on (click here or click here for a more detailed list):
| Area of Focus | Watts | kWh / Hr |
| A/C Units (per unit) | 4,000 | 4.00 |
| A/C Unit (portable) | 1,050 | 1.05 |
| Ceiling fan (each) | 60 | 0.06 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5,000 | 5.00 |
| Clothes Washer | 500 | 0.50 |
| Computer Equipment (each) | 150 | 0.15 |
| Dishwasher | 1,300 | 1.30 |
| Water Heater | 4,000 | 4.00 |
| Range | 12,500 | 12.50 |
| Fan (portable) | 115 | 0.12 |
| Light bulb (60w) (each) | 60 | 0.06 |
| Light bulb (100w) (each) | 100 | 0.10 |
To calculate the actual usage of each item, divide the Wattage by 1,000 to get the kWh/Hr, and then multiply it by the number of hours that item runs.
Keep in mind that the number of hours an item is used will have a great impact on the overall figures; the Clothes Dryer looks like a big ticket item, but we don’t use it more than a few hours in a week. While the ceiling fans look like small items, but turning off 4 of them for 12 hours at a time will add up to saving 2.88 kWh per day!
I’m not certain about the Range – does this refer to the oven or the stove, or both? I couldn’t find a more specific break-down. Obviously, any cooking that can be shifted to the barbeque or the toaster oven will have an immediate impact..
Your feeling a little greener Realtor,
Chris Butterworth
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