Energy Efficiency – Think Twice
In my last article, I explained the difference between power and energy.
Special Thanks to Jason Szumlanski, our Operations Manager, for this blog post!
Being energy efficient is critical to saving money, but reducing power is only half the battle. Some changes that may seem energy efficient on the surface may not save any energy at all.
For example, you might ask about replacing an existing 1-1/2 horsepower pool pump with an “energy efficient” 3/4 horsepower pump. The smaller pump would definitely use less power – in fact, about half the amount of power. Unfortunately, to circulate the same amount of water, you would need to run the smaller pump for more than double the amount of time each day, ultimately using more energy!
A better strategy would be installing a photovoltaic (solar) pool pump that runs using energy from the sun, eliminating the utility electricity consumed by your circulation pump.
Some items are inherently inefficient, and power savings are simply not a viable option.
For example, a curling iron will use essentially the same amount of power to reach the same temperature as any other brand. The only way to reduce energy used in your daily hair care regimen may be to work faster!
Conversely, if you want to watch television, it’s hard to reduce the time it takes to watch American Idol (except with a DVR!)
The best way to reduce your energy use with this appliance is to buy an energy efficient model, which saves energy by using less power.
Some items that can be more efficient by using less power to do the same job are televisions, computers, and air conditioners. Some items that simply need to be used for shorter periods of time are water heaters, hair dryers, and irons.
The bottom line is that saving energy with one appliance may require a different strategy than with another appliance.
Don’t bother shopping for a toaster that uses less power, and you won’t find a light bulb that shines when it is turned off.
Understanding the relationship between power and energy (efficiency and time) is critical to reducing your overall energy use.
- Jason
