Power Measurement and Energy Consumption Cost

Power Measurement

Power is symbolize as (P). It is defined as the amount of energy consumed per unit time. The unit of power is known as the Watt (W). The average power that is absorbed by the load is measured by a wattmeter. Loads consume electric power, converting it to other forms such as mechanical work, heat, light, etc. Examples of loads are electrical appliances, such as light bulbs, electric motors, and electric heaters. When we are using AC, power is determined not only by the r.m.s. values of the voltage and current, but also by the phase angle which will determine the power factor.

Energy Consumption Cost

Every appliance we have in our house has its own corresponding power. This power really matters on how much we pay in our electric bills that is why it is important to know how much power present in our appliance. Since we are paying for the electric energy over a period of time, we have to consider how long we use our appliances in our house.

TYPICAL WATTAGES OF VARIOUS APPLIANCES

·        Aquarium = 50–1210 Watts

·        Clothes washer = 350–500

·        Clothes dryer = 1800–5000

·        Fans Ceiling = 65–175

·        Hair dryer = 1200–1875

·        Heater (portable) = 750–1500

·        Clothes iron = 1000–1800

·        Microwave oven = 750–1100

·        Personal computer

·        CPU - awake / asleep = 120 / 30 or less

·        Monitor - awake / asleep = 150 / 30 or less

·        Laptop = 50

·        Radio (stereo) = 70–400

·        Refrigerator (frost-free, 16 cubic feet) = 725

·        Televisions (color)

·        19" = 65–110

·        27" = 113

·        36" = 133

·        53" - 61" Projection = 170

·        Flat screen = 120

·        Toaster = 800–1400

·        VCR/DVD = 17–21 / 20–25

·        Vacuum cleaner = 1000–1440

Formulas :

Power = Energy / Time

Energy = Power x Duration of Usage (Time)

Energy consumption per day = Power Consumption  x Hours used / Number of Days

TIPS TO CONSERVE ENERGY

·  Clean or replace furnace and air-conditioner filters regularly, following  manufacturer's instructions.
·  Set the thermostats of the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature.
·  Leave thermostat’s fan switch on “auto”.
·  Lessen the hours of using the appliances.

·  Unplug electronic appliances and gadgets when not in use.

·  When buying new appliances, be sure to purchase energy-efficient 

·  Replace light bulbs with CFL’s.

I've learned that the more power, wattage and energy used per unit of time, The higher electrical bill we will have. To conserve energy and to decrease our bill, we must use house efficient appliances. Those appliances which generates heat, contributes to high consumption of electricity such as Rice Cooker, Electric Stove, Flat Iron and Etc.