Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Watt-Minder?
- What powers the Watt-Minder?
- Can I set the Watt-Minder for my local cost of energy?
- How do I find out what electricity costs?
- What range of electrical costs can I set the Watt-Minder for?
- What if my costs per kilowatt hour are greater than $.9999?
- How long should I take a measurement?
- How accurate is the Watt-Minder?
- How will I know if I am using too much energy?
- How do I compare my appliance usage to a new unit?
- What can I do with my old appliance?
- Can I use an extension cord with the Watt-Minder?
- Must the appliance have a ground plug to use the Watt-Minder?
- How long will the batteries last?
- Why do readings appear on the screen when nothing is plugged in?
- Will the Watt-Minder measure appliances that run on voltages other than 110 volts?
- How can I measure the appliance in my home that operates on 220 volts?
- I tested my refrigerator for a week with the Watt-Minder. I used the information for kilowatts used by the Watt-Minder and multiplied this by the cost per kilowatt and my answer does not agree with the cost figures of the Watt-Minder. Why is this?
- I measured a simple 100 watt light-bulb and the reading indicated by the Watt-Minder was different than 100 watts. Why is this?
- Can I measure multiple appliances simultaneously?
- I have a carpet cleaning machine (machine) which the manufacturer claims heats the water used in the cleaning process. I cant tell if the water is really heated by the machine. Can the Watt-Minder help me with determine this?
- Can I use the Watt-Minder outside?
- I have a 110 volt spa, and the water temperature rises so slowly that I question whether the heater is running at all. Of course I can't hear it or see its results like with the water and air pumps. Can the Watt-Minder help in this case?
- Is the Watt-Minder certified to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards?
- Where can I find a list of energy efficient appliances?
- Are there other ways to save energy around the home?
Answers
What is the Watt-Minder?
The Watt-Minder is a small, hand-size watt-meter that accurately estimates the actual electrical usage of any 110 volt appliance and displays the current operating costs (in dollars and cents) on LCD readout for hourly, monthly, and annual usages. It also provides the elapsed time of the measurement and the current amount of watts being drawn. A patent application has been filed with the United States Patent & Trademark office for the design electronics of the Watt-Minder.
What powers the Watt-Minder?
The Watt-Minder is powered by 2 "AA" batteries. The Watt-Minder does not draw any AC current to operate its electronics, thereby increasing its accuracy and safety.
Can I set the Watt-Minder for my local cost of energy?
Yes, the Watt-Minder can be set for the cost of electricity being charged to you by your utility provider. This increases the accuracy of the estimate provided by the Watt-Minder for your appliance usage costs.
How do I find out what electricity costs?
The cost of electricity is shown on your monthly utility bill. If you are unable to locate this information, contact your local utility provider and ask them for the rate per kilowatt hour charged for your account.
What range of electrical costs can I set the Watt-Minder for?
The Watt-Minder's cost per kilowatt hour can be set from $00.0001 to $.9999. Most utility companies in the United States currently charge between $0.07 (7 cents) and $0.15 (15 cents) per kilowatt hour.
What if my costs per kilowatt hour are greater than $.9999?
Unless there is something special about the area you are living in, I would suggest relocating to a new area. The Watt-Minder cannot help you.
How long should I take a measurement?
This depends on the type of appliance being measured. The general rule of thumb is that the longer you measure, the more accurate the information will be.
For appliances that operate at a constant rate of consumption such as incandescent lights, only a few minutes are needed to accurately measure the usage and project hourly, monthly and annual costs.
For appliances that cycle on and off such as refrigerators, and air conditioners, taking measurements for a couple of days will insure you are receiving a fair practical estimate of the real costs to operate that appliance.
Remember, outside temperatures for air conditioners and opening and closing the refrigerator will affect the way the appliance operates. The Watt-Minder will provide you an estimate of electrical costs based upon the time frame measured. The most important contribution made by the owner when taking measurements is to take measurements that represent the average usage so that an accurate snap shot of the appliance operating costs can be measured.
How accurate is the Watt-Minder?
The Watt-Minder is accurate to within +/- 5 watts... Using $0.10/KwH and 8760 hours per year, this yields an expense estimate error over a year of less than +/- $4.38. This equates to $.365 per month or about 1 cent per day.
How will I know if I am using too much energy?
The United States Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy provides sample usages of a variety of home appliances. Compare your appliance using the Watt-Minder with the data listed on this web site and the energy ratings of new appliances.
How do I compare my appliance usage to a new unit?
Measure your currently used appliance with the Watt-Minder. Note the watts consumed during operation. Compare this information to consumption data associated with the new appliance you are considering. In addition, the United States Department of Energy- Energy Efficiency and Renewal Energy has a wide range of resources available to assist consumers with comparing and purchasing new appliances.
In addition, the Canadian Office for Energy Efficiency has outlined the guidelines for purchasing a new appliance. While customs and lifestyle may be slightly different in Canada, the information contained on this website can easily be applied to American homes and consumers.
Also from the Canadian Office for Energy Efficiency: The EnerGuide Appliance Directory Consider the Second Price Tag
All appliances sold in the United States today are required to identify the estimated annual kilowatt usage and operating costs based upon a fixed cost of electricity. This is shown on a bright yellow tag attached to each new appliance. After measuring your old appliance, write down that information and compare it to the information shown on the yellow tags at your local appliance store. Look for appliances that contain the Energy Star label. This indicates they have met the standards set by the United States Department of Energy, Energy Star certification program.
What can I do with my old appliance?
Most communities and utility companies can refer you to recycle programs in your community. Check with your local utility company or with the Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc.,
Can I use an extension cord with the Watt-Minder?
Yes, extension cords will not affect the operation of the Watt-Minder. Be sure and use an extension cord that is appropriate for the appliance being measured (grounded cords for ground appliances, and make sure the cord is heavy enough for the appliance being measured)
Must the appliance have a ground plug to use the Watt-Minder?
No, the Watt-Minder can measure grounded and un-grounded appliances. If a ground plug is present, do not break it off or do anything to circumvent its use.
How long will the batteries last?
This depends on the type of batteries (NiMH versus Alkaline) used and under what conditions the Watt-Minder is operated under. The Watt-Minder has a built in battery saving feature which will shut off the display after 3 minutes of usage. After the display shuts off, the Watt-Minder will continue to measure the appliance. The display can be turned back on by pressing either the Program or Start buttons (Red or Green) once. Under normal circumstances and usage, testing of the Watt-Minder indicated battery life should exceed 14 days for continuous monitoring.No, the Watt-Minder can measure grounded and un-grounded appliances. If a ground plug is present, do not break it off or do anything to circumvent its use.
Why do readings appear on the screen when nothing is plugged in?
Ghost readings are caused by a number of factors including electromagnetic fields, fluorescent lights and other motors or electrical equipment in the area. The electronics of the Watt-Minder are designed to cancel these readings out when an appliance is plugged into it. The ghost reading will have no affect on the accuracy of the measurements being made.
Will the Watt-Minder measure appliances that run on voltages other than 110 Volts?
The Watt-Minder is designed to measure appliances with voltage between 110 volts and 120 volts AC. 60 cycle operation only. This is what is generally found in households and offices the United States. The maximum current is 15 amps peak.
How can I measure the appliance in my home that operates on 220 volts?
In the United States, only a limited number of appliances are powered by 220 volt power. These are generally limited to electric clothes dryers, ranges and ovens and hot-water heaters. Contact your local utility company and they can provide you an accurate estimate of the cost to operate these types of appliances. With this information in hand, it will be easy to further quantify the usage of your 110 volt appliances using the Watt-Minder.
I tested my refrigerator for a week with the Watt-Minder. I used the information for kilowatts used by the Watt-Minder and multiplied this by the cost per kilowatt-- my answer does not agree with the cost figures of the Watt-Minder. Why is this?
The cost figures produced by the Watt-Minder are based on the rolling average usage over the period of time that you tested. The consumption of watts indicated by the Watt-Minder display is the actual wattage drawn at that point in time. Thus the figures will not agree.
I measured a simple 100-watt light bulb and the reading indicated by the Watt-Minder was different than 100 watts. Why is this?
The measuring electronics of the Watt-Minder assume a constant voltage of 118 volts. If your voltage varies from this, the readings from the Watt-Minder will be different. If you are unable to verify your line voltage, contact your local utility provider to confirm the actual line voltage of your electric service. This should resolve the discrepancy in the readings from the Watt-Minder.
Can I measure multiple appliances simultaneously?
Yes. A good reason for measuring multiple appliances would be to better understand the combined cost of running something that has multiple electric consumptions, such as an aquarium. Most aquariums have a water pump, an air pump, and a heater. Measurement of a multiple connection can be accomplished by plugging the appliances into a common extension cord or plug bar. Once this is accomplished, you can then measure the overall consumption running through the extension cord as if it were a single appliance. Since the heater is thermostatically controlled, it is best to measure the combined group for a longer duration so that the heater has cycled on and off several times. Be sure that all of the appropriate extension cord precautions are observed, and that the combined maximum draw does not exceed 15 amps.
I have a carpet cleaning machine (machine) which the manufacturer claims heats the water used in the cleaning process. I cant tell if the water is really heated by the machine. Can the Watt-Minder help me with determine this?
It depends on the type of machine. If the machine has a separate switch for the heater (which most do), you can get a good idea of the power of the heater. First, run the cleaner with the power on (the vacuum pump will be running) and the heater off. Make note of the wattage of the machine under these circumstances. Next, turn on the heater and make note of the wattage when both are running. The difference between the readings will tell you how many watts the heater is consuming. If the wattage increase is very slight you probably bought yourself a lemon. If the wattage increase is significant, you probably have a significant heater in you carpet cleaning machine. To become more familiar with the type of heater you have in the machine, test other heat producing devices around your home. A clothes iron, a space heater, a toaster or counter oven will give you approximate wattages
Can I use the Watt-Minder outside?
The Watt-Minder is designed for use in dry areas and is not made to be used in damp or wet areas that may be present outside. While the Watt-Minder can be used to measure external appliances such as holiday lights or outdoor landscaping lights or pumps, care should be taken to insure the appliance and the Watt-Minder does not come in contact with any damp or wet conditions. The Watt-Minder is designed for operating in the temperature range between 10C and 35C (50' F to 95' F). Storage temperature should be between 5C and 45C (41' F to 113' F). For temperatures lower than 5'C, the liquid crystal display may freeze and crack. To complete other conversions from Fahrenheit and Celsius, see the infoplease.com web site.
I have a 110 volt spa, and the water temperature rises so slowly that I question weather the heater is running at all. Of course I can't hear it or see its results like with the water and air pumps. Can the Watt-Minder help in this case?
Sure thing. Plug in the Watt-Minder in the power circuit for the spa and watch for an increase in watts consumed when the heater is turned on. If there is no increase in wattage, you aren't heating the water.
There are several devices that do not quickly indicate that they are working (some internal timers, heaters, and detection units for example) by using the Watt-Minder it can readily be determined if these devices are working.
NOTE: Not all spas run on 110 volt current. Some are directly wired into the electrical system and cannot be tested by a Watt-Minder. Always exercise caution when working outside, in damp conditions or around water with electrical equipment. Observe all safety conditions and read the instructions thoroughly before using.
Is the Watt-Minder certified to Underwriters Laboratory ("UL") standards?
The Watt-Minder has been tested and approved by CSA International; an OSHA accredited Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). CSA determined that the Watt-Minder complies with the applicable standards set by ANSI, ASTM, NEMA, and UL including those standards for Laboratory Electrical Equipment, including UL 651010B-1.
The CSA International approval is evidenced by the display of the CSA mark on the back of the Watt-Minder. A CSA mark with the indicators "C" and "US" or "NRTL/C" means that the product is certified for both the U.S. and Canadian markets, to the applicable U.S. and Canadian standards. The Watt-Minder meets both of these criteria.
In addition, CSA has determined that the Watt-Minder meets the following additional requirements:
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1B-97 Amendment 2 to CAN/CSA-C22 No. 1010.1-92, "Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement Control and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements".
- International Electrical Code ("IEC") Safety Requirement for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Laboratory Use, Part 1: General Requirements
- ISA S82.02.01-1999 Safety Standard for Electrical and Electronic Test, Measuring, Controlling, and Related Equipment-General Requirements (Harmonized Standard to IEC Publication 61010-1).
Where can I find a list of energy efficient appliances?
The American Council for Energy Efficient Economy has a publication available entitled "The Most Energy Efficient Appliances for 2002-2003." In addition, the Consortium for Energy Efficiency has a webpage entitled "Super-Efficient Home Appliances Initiative (SEHA)". Both of these can assist in your selection of the most energy efficient appliance available.
Are there other ways to save energy around the home?
Yes, there are a variety of books and web sites devoted to helping consumers save energy and money around the home. A good start is the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy, Guide to Home Energy Savings.
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