3 Exceptions to Determining a Product’s Energy Use

How closely do you read the labels when you search for any electric consumer products?

Do you even look?

If you’re like most, you don’t. But then again, maybe you generally know what various products might use, speaking in terms of power.

For example, you know that products and appliances which make things hot or cool are always the biggest consumers of electricity.

However, you may not know a few of the below things:

1. Labels Usually Only Show the Max Power a Product Uses

For example, a label may show your fridge uses 300 watts of power. However, that actually only happens when the fridge runs the compressor to cool your food.

Most of the time, it needs barely any electricity at all – usually just a few watts to power any electronics needed.

Similarly, your computer’s label may say it uses 300 watts. However, maybe you just use it for a few personal tasks throughout the week.

In that case, your computer probably only uses around 100 watts.

However, if you’re a hardcore gamer that goes for hours every day, you’ll be closer to 300 watts because it takes much more electricity to power the processor and graphics card that make the game possible.

2. Labels Frequently Show Power Input, and Not Power Output

For example, you might buy a stereo that says 30 watts on the box. That’s only partially true.

It may actually require 50 watts of your electricity to make that 30 watts of sound when you crank the volume to the max.

The same can go for other appliances, like your microwave.

All electrical devices, by nature of their design, are inefficient. So you just have to understand that and know the way advertisers present things about their products are what they want you to see.

3. Don’t Forget Chargers and Standby Power

Chargers and standby power are awesome consumer inventions. You like them, right?

That’s cool.

Just remember that if you love to save energy, devices like your TV, gaming system, and computer can still use power when you don’t have them on.

And, chargers can continue to drain energy when not actually plugged into a device.

No harm in using them. Just make sure you remember how they work.

Yes. Enjoy life. Don’t toss all your electronics and innovations just to save a few measly dollars on your electric bill each year.

But do make sure you know these nuances so you can change your behavior and maximize your savings accordingly.