• Overview

  • In this video, energy efficiency expert Paul Scheckel shows how to save electricity and loads of money.

    Steps:
    1. Replace standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, and watch how much more slowly the electric meter turns.
    2. Use an appliance meter to determine how much electricity an appliance is using.
    3. Have an electrician install current sensors onto individual circuits in the main electrical panel. The sensors send information to a power management box, which you can access on-line to determine when and where you're using the most electricity.
    4. To help prevent losses due to phantom electricity, use power strips to turn off several devices at the end of each day.
    5. Use controlled power strips to turn off some, but not all devices plugged in.
    • From a few minutes to an hour or so, depending on the energy-efficient device
    • $10 and up, depending on the device
    • Tools
    • Shopping List
    • Difficulty: Easy
      except when working on circuits in main electrical panel
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      Tools List

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      • appliance meter for measuring wattage
        Appliance meter, used to calculate electrical use of individual appliances

      Shopping List

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      1. Current sensors, installed at main electrical panel to determine energy use

      2. Power strips and controlled power strips, for easily turning off several electrical devices at once