Timing FX5's, UV's & satellites saves $80

[CWO4GUNNER]

last month I posted concerns over the increase in my power usage which coincided with bringing four FX5's on-line and new satellite TV service. Long story short after doing some research and breaker-box test recommended by my power company I was able to isolate some main power consumers.

After 1 month of using $6 timers on my four FX5's, UV sterilizers, cutting back on aquarium lighting for window light, turning off two TV satellite boxes when turning off the TV, and switching all my 25W florescent lighting bulbs to 12W florescent bulbs, has made a dramatic reduction of over $80 in my bill. A reduction of 670 KWH in 30 days.

Below is the timers I used which runs the FX5 for 30 minutes off and 60 minutes on 24/7 without any noticeable or measurable change in bio/mechanical performance whatsoever.

Below photo's of my two monthly concurrent electric bills for January and February listed in that order. With the coming Cap & Trade legislation designed to and I quote "will make utilities bills sky-rocket" Its important to find ways now to cut back now so when the change hits will it not be crippling to your hobby. Before summer hits I am re insulating the attic with plastic barrier insulation to better retain AC. In winter we do not use the furnace. I am on a mission now to find ways to save energy to get ready for the coming squeeze.

 

[Navyscuba]

Dang, Gunner I wish my bill was $218.00. Where did u get the timers at?

 

[coach_z]

very nice! that sounds like a great money saving idea

i picked up a very similar three pronged timer at petco or petsmart for about 9 bucks....

 

[Squawkbert]

8.3¢/KWH? That's cheap compared to what lots of people are already paying... Here's hoping they're reading this!

 

[odinthejd]

nice savings!

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

I buy them at Lowes in the hanging fan/light display area against the right wall if facing the store entrance, a little over $6 something.

Every pin that is set in the up position is off and represents 30 minutes. The normal or default pin position is down and on which means that if you accidentally hit it or the cat paws at it the off pins that are up get pressed to the on position which is good rather then off. These are made by Utili-Tech and have never failed like some others with only one on & off position. The rating is 15 amps 1875W so for me Im no where near load capacity.

As far as my electric costing more or less then what other pay it all depends if you are on cost averaging which I refuse becasue I like to make sure I'm paying what the meter indicates each month. I have caught the power company over charging me at least 3 times after many other months of noticing high bills so after many complaints and refunds they finally installed a radio meter and since then my meter reading always match my bill with no accidental human error.

Everyone should get in the habit of knowing how to read their meter and on what days the meter man comes by so your comparison is close when the bill arrives for you to compare. I used to find discrepancies as high as 1000KWH. But if you are on cost averaging thorough out the year, who can tell what your being charged, unless you add up the entire years KWHs.

 

[gravjack]

Great thread! Everybody ought to read their electric meter and bill more closely. Interesting to note how much of it is government add on taxes used for other purposes. Our home is totally electric, and we are fortunate to live in an area with low rates. However, winters like this one are driving costs up. Like you I caught the meter reader asleep on several occasions, so was pleased when they hooked up an auto system to read remotely. Less errors now. Your experience makes me curious to find out how much my two new tanks are consuming. Guess I'll check.

 

[dundadundun]

good deal gunner... is that about where you want to be or are you thinking of other ways to save?

those are also excellent points about power company price gouging. many of them already have a monopoly as it is so you're usually stuck and they get you for it. for example in my area the government forced our local company to let "the little guys" have their piece of the pie. however one company still owns all the lines, equipment, has all the service techs, etc. so the little guys just rent the power from them. somehow with power companies this does not represent a monopoly. i'd like to know how that is justifiable MORALLY, catch my drift?

 

[danimal_dan]

i hear in some areas that when you go past a certin KW amount the cost per KW can cost more
my dads is 600 kw then anything more then that it doubles the cost per kw
best bet is to know your limit and try to stay below it to save $$$$$

 

[JK47]

Are you concerned about the constant starting/stopping of the pump of the FX5's? Will that shorten the life of the filter? I think it's great your saving $$$. I am only running two FX5's. I also run sumps though so I could not do those on a timer. =(