I've got one, and it's very useful. The problem is working out what things that are hard wired, like electric cookers, immersion heaters and central heating pumps, use.RenewableCandy wrote:We have the marvellous Maplins monitor (L61AQ), Christmas present from my brother (you see Christmas has its uses!) and yes it does power factor etc...but as you say only one plug-socket at a time, so not the house's whole energy consumption (but we have a flashing electricity-meter for that purpose: one flash per 3.6 sec means someone somewhere is using 1kW).
Which energy monitor do you recommend?
Moderator: Peak Moderation
True although if we all improved our power factors the networks would be more balanced and we would collectively all pay less, albeit only a small amount.Domesticly, poor factor makes no difference, 1KW at unity power factor will cost exactly the same as 1KW at 0.5 power factor.
The reactive power needed to balance the transmission\distribution networks due to displacement\distortion power factors is effectively charged out via kWh usage (even though this is the wrong charge unit to use) through 4 different charge structures\loss adjustment factors.
The most complete exposition of a social myth comes when the myth itself is waning (Robert M MacIver 1947)
You do need 2 different types of monitor, one for the hardwired things like the cookers and immersion heaters and one for anything with a plug like TV's and computers etc. I read about them and bought the 2 types here http://www.homeenergysaving.co.ukThe problem is working out what things that are hard wired, like electric cookers, immersion heaters and central heating pumps, use.
I haven't had a recent bill since deciding to cut my costs but I've taken weekly readings from my meter and I'm hoping for 10-15% !
James