This thing is too much fun!

P3 - Kill A Watt (http://www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html)

I took it out from my local library. :D I finally got the hang of using it - I'm measuring kwH for everything now.

Our upright freezer uses about 1.3 kwH per day, so costs us around $6.50 per month (our rate is 16c/kwH). Not the argument I was going for, for selling it and buying a used chest freezer instead! I am glad it doesn't cost us a ton though.

And so on...

There is a good explanation of it here:

The Gadgeteer - Kill-A-Watt Electric Usage Monitor Review (http://the-gadgeteer.com/review/kill_a_watt_electric_usage_monitor_review)

I am *going* to figure out what is drawing so much power, dangit! Oh btw - my propane-fired dryer still draws 0.3 kwH for one towel cycle on high heat. Hmph!

That does look like a fun toy!

I just found out how cheap utilities are here. It's bizarre.

That does look like a fun toy!

I just found out how cheap utilities are here. It's bizarre.

Where? I can't keep up with you. :D

It is still shocking to me how $$$ they are here...our bill is $110. I can't figure out where that is all coming from!! I am determined.

I just saw these in the Real goods catalog this morning and thought I might invest in it. I can't find one anywhere near here to use.

Lauren I would be in hog heaven if our electric bill was $110.00. Ours is over $300.00 and we mostly heat with wood. It is insane because our house is small and we do not have a lot of appliances etc... I too, don't know where it is coming from. But, I def. want to find out.

Aileen

Where? I can't keep up with you. :D

It is still shocking to me how $$$ they are here...our bill is $110. I can't figure out where that is all coming from!! I am determined.

Still in Northern Virginia/ DC area. When we told our friends we'd like to stay in their emergency backup house a few more months, they asked if we could cover the utilities now, which is why I just now learned what it costs. :lol:

They're on one of those same payment, every month, all year plans - I'm sure that has a name. Gas, electric, water/sewer all comes to under $300 total. This house is 3x the square footage of yours, and not particularly tight construction. I'm pretty sure the kitchen isn't insulated, and I know the master bedroom's back wall isn't, either.

DH got one for Christmas. :) He had a lot of fun with it.

You borrowed this from your library? How cool is that!

You borrowed this from your library? How cool is that!

I know. :) I was shocked to see it there! It is a tiny rural library, but it kicks a$$ when it comes to homesteading/energy-conscious stuff. Reflects our community. ;) Generous patrons make wonderful donations.

You should check with your electric company; ours loans out meters similar to this as well! I just never remember to check when I'm in the town where the electric co-operative is - I'm usually racing home for the bus.

You should check with your electric company; ours loans out meters similar to this as well! I just never remember to check when I'm in the town where the electric co-operative is - I'm usually racing home for the bus.

I tried this, but I guess ours is too small town and NOT cool. LOL

I took some of my sales money and bought this today though. I am hoping it will pay for itself in reduced energy costs many times over.

Aileen