How to save electricity?

[iRabbit]

DW has this theory that it's better to leave the toilet lights on for extended period of time (lets say 1-2 hr) rather than have it switched on-and-off a few times over the same period. She mentioned something about voltage spikes when lights are switched on. Apparently, voltage spikes hurts my pocket bad. Apparently there's a scientific principle behind it. :skeptical:


I always like to switch them off as I dislike the idea of them generating unneccessary heat in our sweltering nights (I'm an air-con creature). Also, I've my doubts about this voltage spike theory.

So who's right? Any scientist or engineer or learned man and woman out there can to solve my puzzle?

[janet88]

FQW:

I always like to switch them off as I dislike the idea of them generating unneccessary heat in our sweltering nights (I'm an air-con creature). Also, I've my doubts about this voltage spike theory.

Its hard not to be an air con creature given the weather we are facing now...34 degrees all the time. Even the nights are not cooler.
Practically needless to switch on heater now...but kids need warm water to wash up in the morn.

[limlim]

If you on, off, on, off…repeatedly non stop for, say… one hour… it is definitely using more electricity then leaving it on continuously…


If you on, and off it a few times within the hour, the amount of electricity will be definitely less then leaving it on continuously…

voltage spikes occurs for a few msec… that few milliseconds of even 1000% power consumption is not gonna make a different on your bills.

However, the concern should not be the amount of electricity used, but rather, the accelerate wear and tear due to VERY frequent on/off.

In any case, unless you switch it on/off a few dozen times an hour continuously… frequent on/off is not going to make a significant impact. if any at all.

[iRabbit]

That’s what I thought too. How can leaving the lights on for extended periods of time be greener then switching it on a few times an hour?


If only I can get an [official] article to bust this myth.

[limlim]

Just learn how to read the meter outside the flat will do…


On the lights for 2 hours, then compare the meter reading before/after to find how much the meter move. Then, repeat will on/off a few times.

[schweppes]

FQW:

That's what I thought too. How can leaving the lights on for extended periods of time be greener then switching it on a few times an hour?


If only I can get an [official] article to bust this myth.

aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.

[fightingmom]

schweppes:

FQW:

That's what I thought too. How can leaving the lights on for extended periods of time be greener then switching it on a few times an hour?


If only I can get an [official] article to bust this myth.

aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.

:rotflmao: that's a fan-tas-tic idea , schweppes !

[schweppes]

fightingmom:

schweppes:

[quote=\"FQW\"]That's what I thought too. How can leaving the lights on for extended periods of time be greener then switching it on a few times an hour?


If only I can get an [official] article to bust this myth.

aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.

:rotflmao: that's a fan-tas-tic idea , schweppes ![/quote]Thot of another one. FQW can also use kerosene lamp! :siam:

:rotflmao:

[iRabbit]

Candles I scared my neighbours will scared, in case I accidentally burn down the whole block of flats.


But mabbe will catch fireflies and put them in a bottle. How’s that for going green? Mabbe I pick up smoking … to save electricity …

[iRabbit]

limlim:

Just learn how to read the meter outside the flat will do..


On the lights for 2 hours, then compare the meter reading before/after to find how much the meter move. Then, repeat will on/off a few times.

Excellent idea. Except that my flat's meter is behind a locked door; don't ask me why, I also don't know. You got time to do this experiment or not?