Equipment operation cost

[skjl47]

Hello; A few weeks ago I took part in a thread discussing the cost to operate equipment. I have a small meter and decided to test the cost of some of my equipment. I set the meter up and plugged into it an Aqua-Tech 30-60 HOB power filter.
The measure period started at 2:30 PM on November 8, 2012. I checked it today(12-1-2012) at 9:41 PM. If my count is correct that is 23 days. The power filter used 3.87 kWh in that time. It drew a steady 0.17 amps if I read the meter correctly. At 12 cents per kWh it calculated a cost of 46 cents. I have not run the numbers to check the meter, but if this is correct it cost two cents per day to operate this particular filter.
I will reset the meter and test a different piece of equipment.

 

[dhardwick]

Good info thanks

 

[aldiaz33]

Sounds about right. I believe the motor uses 9 watts. The formula to calculate cost to run a given piece of equipment is (watts/1000) x hours used x KWHr cost.

In this case 9/1000 x 24 hours x $0.12= $0.02592 per day.

Of you could just plug those numbers into this calculator: http://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/ElectricalConsumption.php

If you know the wattage of any device that runs 24/7, it's easy to determine how much electricity it will consume and how much it will cost to run. What's interesting is to test heaters, since they are constantly cycling on and off to maintain your desired temp.

 

[joe jaskot]

Most filters and air pumps don't use much electricity. It is the heaters, water pumps, and lighting that get expensive to run.

 

[rodger]

What type of meter do you use. Is it simple to use for dummys like me and what did it cost?

 

[skjl47]

What type of meter do you use. Is it simple to use for dummys like me and what did it cost?

Hello; It is a HAMPTON energy monitor 46-0110. The meter is not too hard to set up and use but the instructions are too brief. As this is the only monitor I have so far used, I cannot compare it to others. I suspect that there may better units available. If this one fails and I want to replace it, I will likely look for a different brand.

 

[skjl47]

Sounds about right. I believe the motor uses 9 watts. The formula to calculate cost to run a given piece of equipment is (watts/1000) x hours used x KWHr cost.

In this case 9/1000 x 24 hours x $0.12= $0.02592 per day.

Of you could just plug those numbers into this calculator: http://www.hamzasreef.com/Contents/Calculators/ElectricalConsumption.php

If you know the wattage of any device that runs 24/7, it's easy to determine how much electricity it will consume and how much it will cost to run. What's interesting is to test heaters, since they are constantly cycling on and off to maintain your desired temp.

Hello; I checked the meter just now. It is giving a reading of 6 for what the meter terms active watts.
The spot readings this morning were- W (active watts) = 6 while varying between 5 and 7 but most often on 6.
VA (apparent power) = 16 There is no explanation for this unit in the instructions.
V (voltage) = 120
Hz (hertz) = 59.96
PF (power factor) = 0.31 to 0.40 There is no explanation for this unit in the instructions.
Tariff (cost of electricity per kilowatt hour) = 12 cents. This is set based on an average from my bill.

 

[aldiaz33]

Very cool skjl47.

In case you or anyone wants to try out another meter, I think one of the more popular is the Kill-a-watt. I've been using one for about a year to keep tabs on how much juice my tank is using. I blew a fuse on one a few months ago, but it's because I am pushing the limit of what it's rated for. It's a cool little gadget and they are only $20.

 

[Drstrangelove]

Yea, I see several on the net that use 7-10 watts, so it's not unusual. Some power heads are in the same range. The heaters, then lights, then sump pumps is where it escalates.