Power Saving Tips...over on Nipsco Budget Plan

[ziggo0]

Any recommendations? We've turned to the heat down to 55...got a space heater for our room since we are in here 90% of the time, got it on the lowest setting - it keeps the room comfortable. My GF is going as far as only using candles for light in the kitchen for example...this is going to drive me crazy...I know we are a bit over on our budget plan but candles? Please tell me the kitchen light a few times throughout the day isn't going to cause that big of an issue...asides that...any other tips?

[twEEkerAreUs]

Space Heaters suck up power like crazy even on lower settings, but I'm sure newer ones are a bit better. Now keeping the temp at 55 is well up to you although I think it is far too low. Do you have a digital thermostat? If not get one, they work a lot better then analog ones or the older styles. Consider Reinsulating attic, those seals over windows, etc to help heat stay in.

Check around for energy efficient bulbs, I have a few and they put out plenty of light and seem to last much longer then regular bulbs. Lights really aren't that big of an energy drain unless you have a ton of them, things that are going to hurt your bill are (TV's, Monitors, Computers, Speakers, Dryer/Washer, Refrigerator, etc) so basically things we all use/love lol.

[Niku-Sama]

computer = off when not using.
i dont care if your running some folding thing its using power and its obvious that you need to save.

go on line and look up "rocket stove" for cooking on. if you have a fireplace, use it. chop down the neighbors tree or something. we got lucky, even though we bought a few cords of wood, one of our HUGE trees died so we are gonna chop it up. its gonna suck durring the summer and it sucks it died but make the best of it sort of thing.

[MARCI]

Things that have transformers (cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, computers, tvs, etc) need to be unplugged, not just turned off. They do not have an 'off' transformers use power all the time they're plugged in, that's why they stay warm to the touch.

[Slimmy]

I agree just get one of the digital thermostats that you can change the temp with the time of day. Also change all you light bulbs for those fluorescent ones.

Here is a good website to look at too.

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/save_energy.html

[techun]

Light bulbs are not significant enough to use candles for, that would be annoying

[LoneWolf121188]

Light bulbs are not significant enough to use candles for, that would be annoying
Agreed. An 80W bulb uses 288KJ in an hour. That's not even enough energy to bring a (large) pot of water to boiling. Better solution: check for leaks. Windows, doors, etc. Also make sure your windows are double-glazed or otherwise thermally insulated.

[djrussell]

any suggestions for lights on a fader switch? i like the effect but i'm pretty sure CFLs don't work well (or at all) on them.

[kyussinchains]

replace them with the hyper bright LED bulbs, unless they have some kind of circuitry internally they should work with a dimmer switch, and use a lot less power, I have 6 in my living room/kitchen and they are as bright as halogen bulbs yet use a poxy 11W each, so for 66W I can comfortably light most of my living area

[MARCI]

Dimmer switches do nothing to save power. They work by adding resistance to the circuit. The total power consumption stays the same.

[Cluster]

Adding resistance lowers the amount of current. Hence why the lights get dimmer. They do save power, as power bills are based on the current draw.

[MARCI]

They lower current to the bulb.. they divert current through the rheostat in the bulb.. same power used.

[ShadowPho]

V=I*R
P=V*I

Let's say we have 120 ohm bulb (way over) and 120 V DC.
That takes 1 Amp, check.
Power = 120 Watts

Now dimmer added. 120 Ohm Bulb, 120 ohm resistor.
.5 Amp total current flowing.
Power = 60 Watts.
Wasted voltage = 120 * .5 = 60V on resistor which is 60V*.5 = 30 WATTS WASTED.

So it does reduce your current, but it also wastes power on heating resistor. You are both right.
-----------------

Here's how we conserve energy. Plastic over windows works wonders. Reinsulated attic, Then my dad with a friend dag around the house and put metal and then styrophone, that worked wonders for the bottom floor and the walls.

[IAmMoen]

If you don't have plastic over your windows yet youre not trying hard enough :) I used to live in an apartment that had a gas stove but electric heat. The electric heat was on for a fail safe at 55 or so but every morning I woke up I would turn on the stove full blast and use a fan to blow it around. Our utility bill went down by a bunch. Now my condo has gas heat and we pay like $15 to heat the whole place and pay $70 in electricity just for everything else. Our utility bill in the summer is 140+ because of AC. I like my gas heat.

I do know that the utility company around here offers a free energy audit which would be something to help you find those problem spots.

[Ebola]

If you're thinking of using candles for light you might as well find a cave and move there. Get a real job and don't worry about it.