How to save electricity?
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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? -
FQW:
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.
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.
Practically needless to switch on heater now...but kids need warm water to wash up in the morn. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
FQW:
aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.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. -
schweppes:
:rotflmao: that's a fan-tas-tic idea , schweppes !
aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.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. -
fightingmom:
:rotflmao: that's a fan-tas-tic idea , schweppes ![/quote]Thot of another one. FQW can also use kerosene lamp! :siam:
aiyah... use candles lah. More lo-man-tic and also save electricity at the same time.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.
:rotflmao: -
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 … -
limlim:
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?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.