Energy Flips

Key Aspects About Electricity Consumption: Difference between revisions

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Keep in mind that multiple devices that are powered on at roughly the same time may have a certain impact on electricity consumption. Laptops always consume less than desktops so for activities that are not particularly processing demanding, they may be better suited for daytime work.
Keep in mind that multiple devices that are powered on at roughly the same time may have a certain impact on electricity consumption. Laptops always consume less than desktops so for activities that are not particularly processing demanding, they may be better suited for daytime work.
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Desktop computer, medium use and load || 50-400 W || 100 W || 8 hours  || 24 kW/h
|-
| Laptop computer, medium use and load || 10-90 W  || 30 W || 8 hours  || 7.2 kW/h
|-
| 120cm LCD TV || 10-130 W  || 60 W || 8 hours  || 19 kW/h
|-
| Laser printer/copier multifunction device || 700-1500 W  || 1000 W || 0.5 hour ||  15 kW/h
|-
| Inkjet multifunction device || 10-40 W  || 25 W || 0.5 hour ||  0.3 kW/h
|-
|}


Printers and multifunction devices should be given special attention. While inkjet printers are usually low powered devices, with a power rating that is less than 50 Watts, some larger copiers, printers and multifunction devices, particularly laser ones, can have very large instantaneous power loads and this will be translated into high consumption for high volume activities.  
Printers and multifunction devices should be given special attention. While inkjet printers are usually low powered devices, with a power rating that is less than 50 Watts, some larger copiers, printers and multifunction devices, particularly laser ones, can have very large instantaneous power loads and this will be translated into high consumption for high volume activities.  
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This aspect has to be considered carefully, keeping in mind that washing only certain clothing items, as they are used, require more energy and water than washing a bunch of clothes. In other cases, communal washing may not be the best choice for sanitary, privacy or scheduling reasons.
This aspect has to be considered carefully, keeping in mind that washing only certain clothing items, as they are used, require more energy and water than washing a bunch of clothes. In other cases, communal washing may not be the best choice for sanitary, privacy or scheduling reasons.
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Common washing machine || 1200-2000 W || 1500 W (only during water heating) || 1 hour || 11.25 kW/h
|-
| Older washing machine || 1200-2000 W || 1800 W (only during water heating) || 1.3 hours || 17.55 kW/h
|-
|}


While clothes driers and washing machines that have integrated driers are highly convenient, they do have an impact on energy consumption. While airing and drying clothes outside is preferable, colder or more humid environments make such an option frequently inconvenient.  
While clothes driers and washing machines that have integrated driers are highly convenient, they do have an impact on energy consumption. While airing and drying clothes outside is preferable, colder or more humid environments make such an option frequently inconvenient.  
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! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
|-
| Standard Iron || 800-2100 W || 2100 W || 0.1 hours (6 minutes) || 6.3 kw/h
| Standard Iron || 800-2100 W || 2100 W || 0.1 hours (6 minutes) || 6.3 kW/h
|-
|-
| Vertical Iron || 1400-1600 W || 1600 W || 0.1 hours (6 minutes) || 4.8 kw/h
| Vertical Iron || 1400-1600 W || 1600 W || 0.1 hours (6 minutes) || 4.8 kW/h
|-
|-
|}
|}
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! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
|-
| Travel (compact) hairdryer, short hair || 1100-1200 W || 600 W (low setting) || 0.25 hours (15 minutes) || 4.5 kw/h
| Travel (compact) hairdryer, short hair || 1100-1200 W || 600 W (low setting) || 0.25 hours (15 minutes) || 4.5 kW/h
|-
|-
| Travel (compact) hairdryer, long hair || 1100-1200 W || 1600 W (low setting) || 0.45 hours (27 minutes) || 8.1 kw/h
| Travel (compact) hairdryer, long hair || 1100-1200 W || 1200 W (high setting) || 0.45 hours (27 minutes) || 8.1 kW/h
|-
|-
| Standard hairdryer, short hair || 2000-2200 W || 1000 W (low setting) || 0.15 hours (9 minutes) || 4.5 kw/h
| Standard hairdryer, short hair || 2000-2200 W || 1000 W (low setting) || 0.15 hours (9 minutes) || 4.5 kW/h
|-
|-
| Standard hairdryer, long hair || 2000-2200 W || 1000 W (low setting) || 0.25 hours (27 minutes) || 7.5 kw/h
| Standard hairdryer, long hair || 2000-2200 W || 1000 W (low setting) || 0.25 hours (15 minutes) || 7.5 kW/h
|-
|-
|}
|}
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Appliances that heat water or food can have quite an important contribution to overall consumption. In many cases, they are much more convenient to use and more efficient and than, for instance, simple teapots used on an electric cooking machine.  
Appliances that heat water or food can have quite an important contribution to overall consumption. In many cases, they are much more convenient to use and more efficient and than, for instance, simple teapots used on an electric cooking machine.  


Purpose built devices can be optimized and this is certainly the case. However, just like any device, it stands to reason that they have to be determined as essential to be used in a certain manner.
Purpose built devices can be optimized and this is certainly the case. However, as in most cases, it stands to reason that they have to be determined as essential to be used in a certain manner.


In the case of an office, it all boils down to convenience and a pleasant working climate. If few employees use such devices on a constant basis, there is no major concern about consumption, although more efficient devices would help in limiting consumption.  
In the case of an office, it all boils down to convenience and a pleasant working climate. If few employees use such devices on a constant basis, there is no major concern about consumption, although more efficient devices would help in limiting consumption.


However, if there is a strong demand for cafes or teas, there may need to be an assessment about how to better handle the situation.
However, if there is a strong demand for cafes or teas, there may need to be an assessment about how to better handle the situation.
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Common kettle || 2000-3100 W || 2000 W || 0.3 hour || 18 kW/h
|-
| Common cafetiere || 600-1000 W || 600 W || 2 hours (if left running) || 36 kW/h
|-
| Common grill || 1000-2100 W || 1500 W || 0.5 hours || 27 kW/h
|-
| Common toaster || 600-1000 W || 800 W || 0.25 hours || 6 kW/h
|-
| Common water dispenser || 120 W (cooling)-430 W (heating) || 400 W || 2 hours || 18 kW/h
|-
|}


For businesses that have food preparation activities, the issue is much more complex. Serving quickly clients is mandatory and appliances that can ensure this result are highly important.  
For businesses that have food preparation activities, the issue is much more complex. Serving quickly clients is mandatory and appliances that can ensure this result are highly important.  
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Refrigeration covers not only the obvious purpose of storing food and food related products that can degrade but also water chilling systems. Environment temperatures have the largest influence on a refrigeration equipment consumption both during normal operation and particularly when drafts are formed as the appliance is open for loading or unloading.  
Refrigeration covers not only the obvious purpose of storing food and food related products that can degrade but also water chilling systems. Environment temperatures have the largest influence on a refrigeration equipment consumption both during normal operation and particularly when drafts are formed as the appliance is open for loading or unloading.  


Another important aspect pertains how frequent the device is being loaded or unloaded as well as accessibility of certain frequently used products. A highly loaded refrigerator or freezer can use more energy to cool products stored inside and requires more time to access certain items.  
Another important aspect pertains how frequent the device is being loaded or unloaded as well as accessibility of certain frequently used products. A highly loaded refrigerator or freezer can use more energy to cool products stored inside and requires more time to access certain items. A lower inside temperature preset also requires more power.
 
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Common 300 Liter refrigerator/freezer combo, 25 Celsius degree ambient || 100-300 W || 200 W || 6 hours (combined running time) || 36 kW/h
|-
| Common 300 Liter refrigerator/freezer combo, 30 Celsius degree ambient || 100-300 W || 200 W || 12 hours (combined running time) || 72 kW/h
|-
| Older 300 Liter refrigerator/freezer combo, 25 Celsius degree ambient || 200-400 W || 300 W || 6 hours (combined running time) || 54 kW/h
|-
|}


It is also important to note that high refrigeration volumes have to be managed carefully to avoid items that are forgotten, going past their intended consumption date. Water chillers and dispensers are convenient devices that have to be properly sized to be efficient but they are much more advantageous to use than refilling, storing and retrieving water from a standard refrigerator.
It is also important to note that high refrigeration volumes have to be managed carefully to avoid items that are forgotten, going past their intended consumption date. Water chillers and dispensers are convenient devices that have to be properly sized to be efficient but they are much more advantageous to use than refilling, storing and retrieving water from a standard refrigerator.
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Space heating and cooling may require considerable amounts of electricity. It may be helpful to establish specific temperature ranges at which appliances are turned on an off to maintain comfort. This will have a very large impact, particularly in summer. Permanent monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential to asess how to maintain it in an acceptable range.
Space heating and cooling may require considerable amounts of electricity. It may be helpful to establish specific temperature ranges at which appliances are turned on an off to maintain comfort. This will have a very large impact, particularly in summer. Permanent monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential to asess how to maintain it in an acceptable range.


Water heating that depends on tap water also evolves thought a year. Since tap water is cooler in winter, boilers are requiring more electricity to heat the water to the same temperature than during summer. Also, in summer, hotter water may be less desirable to work with, so a lower temperature can be sufficient.  
Water heating that depends on tap water also evolves thought a year. Since tap water is cooler in winter, boilers are requiring more electricity to heat the water to the same temperature than during summer. Also, in summer, hotter water may be less desirable to work with, so a lower temperature can be sufficient.
 
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Common 12000 BTU air conditioning unit || 1200-1500 W || 1200 W || 8 hours (combined running time)* || 288 kW/h
|-
| Common large circulation fan || 40-200 W || 100 W || 8 hours || 24 kW/h
|-
|}
  Note: *the case scenario considers a 25 square meter indoor area, 35 Celsius degree exterior temperature, 25 Celsius degree interior temperature desired


All these situations have to be carefully studied. It is not as effective to just use the "eco" function for certain devices, since it will just provide a lower service, in this case water temperature and electricity consumption, that may not be satisfactory for most purposes.
All these situations have to be carefully studied. It is not as effective to just use the "eco" function for certain devices, since it will just provide a lower service, in this case water temperature and electricity consumption, that may not be satisfactory for most purposes.
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Better performing products are generally more expensive and durable than economy ones. It matters a lot when operating older devices, manufactured more than 7 years ago, as they can be performing well but require more electrical energy due to having a less efficient electrical motor.
Better performing products are generally more expensive and durable than economy ones. It matters a lot when operating older devices, manufactured more than 7 years ago, as they can be performing well but require more electrical energy due to having a less efficient electrical motor.
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Standard vacuum cleaner || 500-600 W || 600 W || 0.25 hours (15 minutes) || 4.5 kW/h
|-
| Older vacuum cleaner || 1000-2000 W || 1200 W || 0.25 hours (15 minutes) || 9 kW/h
|-
|}


Pressure washers are much more effective for cleaning ceramic tiled floors, concrete and asphalt, being highly effective both on the indoors and outdoors activities. They can also save a lot of time and also a lot of money, reducing the need for expensive and toxic cleaning products. Pressure washers also reduce water use making more savings readily apparent.
Pressure washers are much more effective for cleaning ceramic tiled floors, concrete and asphalt, being highly effective both on the indoors and outdoors activities. They can also save a lot of time and also a lot of money, reducing the need for expensive and toxic cleaning products. Pressure washers also reduce water use making more savings readily apparent.
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==Lighting equipment==
==Lighting equipment==


Ensuring a properly lit indoor or outdoor used to require significant energy consumption. This may still be the case for very old installations but retrofits or modern systems are rarely high consumers.  
Ensuring a properly lit indoor or outdoor used to require significant energy consumption. This may still be the case for very old installations but retrofits or modern systems are rarely high consumers.
 
A higher surface area that has to be covered and more intense light leads to higher electricity demand and energy consumption.


The higher the area that has to be light and the more intense light is, the higher the electricity demand and energy consumption will get.  
{| border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Device !! Typical power rating !! Sample rating !!  Daily use !! Monthly consumption
|-
| Common LED lamp || 5-20 W || 15 W || 6 hours || 2.7 kW/h
|-
| Common LED lamps || 5-20 W || 1600 W || 10 hours  || 4.5 kW/h
|-
| Old fluorescent lamp || 18-40 W || 40 W || 10 hours  || 12 kW/h
|-
| Old outdoor lamp || 100-250 W || 100 W || 10 hours  || 30 kW/h
|-
|}


Lighting systems tend to not require high investments for modernization purposes but some specialized systems may still command a high price, so it is advisable to understand the current situation.
Lighting systems tend to not require high investments for modernization purposes but some specialized systems may still command a high price, so it is advisable to determine the current situation.


[[Category:Energy Conservation]]
[[Category:Energy Conservation]]
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