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Lowering My Electric Bill: Real Results with the Kill-a-Watt Meter

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You can lower your electric bill with the Kill-a-Watt meter.  Last month, I wrote about how the Johnson County Library is providing the Kill-a-Watt meter to library patrons for free.  You can borrow the Kill-a-Watt meter just like you do any book.  Log into your library account, place a hold, and pick it up when it is ready.

Although the press release claims potential savings in the neighborhood of 10%, I found my savings in the $5 per month range.  Additionally, becoming aware of how expensive it is to run my Solar Comfort Infrared Heating System in the winter, will help me better manage that device to maximize savings.

As an exercise in knowing which of your electrical devices use the most power, borrowing the Kill-a-Watt meter from the JoCo Library is a must for anyone who calls themselves “Eco-freindly.”

My Personal Results

The most surprising discovery was that my mini heater for my office registers an expense of over $75 per month to operate! 

The other shocking discovery was that my LG Window A/C sucks $2.10 worth of electricity per month just by being plugged in!

DEVICE Cost running Cost on Standby Potential Savings
LG Window A/C $1.38 / day $2.10 / month $25.20 / year
Computer System $0.58 / day $1.65 / month $19.88 / year
TV / DVD $3.18 / month $0.90 / year
Refrigerator About $10 / month
Heater- Solar Comfort brand $77.34 / month

I am content with the data from the TV/DVD and from my refrigerator.  I don’t feel like I need to make changes with those devices.

My Personal Action Steps

  1. I unplugged my Window A/C.
  2. I now unplug my computer system every night.
  3. I run my heater in my office a little less and at a lower temperature

Suggestions for Your Personal Action Steps

  1. If you have access to the Johnson County Library, reserve your Kill-a-Watt meter now
  2. If you don’t, ask your Power Utility if they loan out the Kill-a-Watt meter or borrow one from a friend
  3. Go through your house or office and collect the data.  It really is an easy device to use.
  4. Make your changes, unplug devices, use power strips that help you save power like this one: Belkin Conserve Socket with Energy Saving Outlet