[Pc_Support] Re: Reducing Electricity Costs -- bulbs first and foremost ...

[Bryan J. Smith]

Jason Boxman <jasonb at edseek.com> wrote:
> Anyone know just how much waste is created from these 'always-on'
> appliances?  I just realized my TV is 'always' on.  The DVD player
> is more obvious, since it has a standby light.  What about CRT
> monitors in 'energy saver' mode?

The problem with televisions, unlike computer monitors, is that they
are not very interactive.  There's really no way to gage feedback on
use, especially when you are using disseparate components that have
separate remote controls.

DVD players are at least partially interactive, or the movie
eventually ends withing a few hours.

Computers are completely interactive and power down can occur within
minutes and be fairly accurate on usage.

> Is there any sizable savings in screwing with this stuff, or
> is it not worth the effort to calculate up how much power things
> draw?

I went _completely_ fluorescent a couple years ago (over a matter ofa
 few weeks) and noticed not only a considerable savings on my
electric bill, but I stopped replacing blubs.

E.g., I like to leave the 40W light above my stove on 24x7 on as it
provides just enough lumination throughout my house so I don't trip
if I get up in the middle of the night.  I was replacing incandescent
blubs every 6 months or so.  I replaced it with a 60W equivalent, 13W
actual, fluourescent light about 2 years ago.  I haven't replaced it
since, and it provides even more light to reach the entire other end
of the house, while still being low enough.

> Also, where I live now has all halogen lights.  How do those
> compare to CFBs?

Halogen lights are probably the "purest" light, fluorescent lights
are the worst.  _Both_ are _better_ than incandescent lights in
energy efficiency.

Use halogen when you want the best lighting.
Use fluorescent when you want general lighting.

Halogen has greater heat generation and must be cleaned more.
Fluorescent makes a number of trade-offs for its increased
efficiency.


-- 
Bryan J. Smith     Professional, Technical Annoyance
b.j.smith at ieee.org      http://thebs413.blogspot.com
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*** Speed doesn't kill, difference in speed does ***