To “Kill-a-watt”By: M

How much energy do we consume?

Project Summary

• In order to save energy, we must know how much energy we are using?

• My project used two approaches: – Actual measurements using a power meter– Using the PSE&G electricity usage calculator

• In the end, I will share some tips to save energy that I learned during my research.

What is a Watt?

• A watt is a unit of power, named after engineer James Watt, which measures the rate of energy transfer.

• A watt, in electrical terms, is the rate which work is done when one ampere (A) of current flows through one volt (V).

• Formula: W= A*v

A Power Meter Buster• The Power Meter Buster is a device that

measures the amount of watts that any plug-in electrical device uses.

• On the screen, it displays the amount of time it has been measuring, the total wattage, and the cost.

Methodology

• In order to get the information, I would plug in the meter, then plug any device into it.

• It would then calculate the energy consumption for me.

• After that, I record my findings on a separate sheet and determine the amount of energy it uses in an hour.

• I have made a chart to show my findings.

Actual Measurement Used By Power Meter

Appliance Watts/hour $/hourGE Spacemaker Microwave 950W $0.18Window Air Conditioner 600W $0.12Rice Cooker 600W $0.12Dehumidifier 400W $0.09Proctor Cilex Toaster Oven 300W $0.06Halogen Lamp 300W $0.06TV 150W $0.03Computer (charging) 60W $0.02Fan 51W $0.01iPad Charger 15W $0.01

Electricity cost (per kWh) = $0.19

PSE&G Electrical CalculatorAppliance Watt Hours Monthly Cost35" LED TV 110 5 $3.0545" Plasma TV 400 1 $2.42Dish Washer 1200 1 $7.47Refridgerator 841 12 $19.24Dehumidifier 750 12 $52.22Electric Water Heater 4500 1.6 $41.62Computer 300 4 $7.28

Total 8101 $133.20

Sample key appliances

Appliance requiring different methods

• Microwave: Since my microwave is built in to the wall, I searched the brand and used that information to fill the chart.

• Air Conditioner: My central air conditioner doesn’t use a three-prong plug. Instead, I went to a friend’s house and ask his parents’ if I can measure their conditioner’s wattage.

Tips to Save Electrical Energy

• When a charged computer is off, unplug the device, so that an electrical leak will not occur.

• Refrain from keeping a fan, lights, or TV on in a room you are not in.

• Once a phone or tablet is done charging, unplug immediately.

• Use CFL or LED bulbs when old light bulbs burn out.

Thanks For Watching