From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9/5/2026 10:40 PM, Snag wrote:

On 9/5/2026 3:03 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-05 05:30, Snag wrote:

On 9/4/2026 12:55 PM, Frank wrote:

On 9/4/2026 1:24 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-04 16:17, Frank wrote:

Just got this:

Your electricity use at a glance

Jul 24 - Aug 21, 2026
-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a Graphic shows your energy use status for this
bill period on a scale of Fair, Good, and Great. Status indicator >>>>>> is pointing to great.

-a-a-a-a-aFair-a-a-a-a-a-a-a Good-a-a-a-a-a-a-a Great

But in the winter it is the reverse.

Think I posted on heat pump a few years ago when my oil furnace
went kaput including oil tank where entry deteriorated and water
got in and replaced with heat pump.

My utility emails me a monthly summary saying that I have spent so
much on the fridge, so much on laundry, heating, etc. It is all
fake, because of course they have no actual idea of what I am
spending my electricity on. They can guess based on stats, that's all. >>>>>

I get these too but only with daily usages and comparison to last
year. Yours does sound like guesses.

-a-a You might be surprised , if he's got "smart" appliances they may
very well be reporting "home" .

I haven't.

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Other than our personal computers - cameras covered and microphones turned off - the only "smart" device we have is a cellphone . One phone
, and it stays turned off and sitting on the shelf 95% of the time .
Wife was a bit perturbed with me for nixing a smart TV until she read a
few reports about their data gathering/reporting capabilities .

A few years ago we bought a "smart" TV because multiple rating
organizations raved about the picture quality, it was on sale, and at
the time we were shopping, there were no TVs available in the size we
needed at a similar or lower price that had 4K resolution and equally
high ratings for picture quality. We never use the "smart" features
because we have a high quality set-top box that provides faster
navigation, much better streaming picture quality, and more streaming
channel options that what's built in to the TV. We leave the wifi on
the IV turned off and only turn it on about every month or two to see if
there are any updates to the TV's firmware which we download and install
when available. Then the wifi is switched off again.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 2026-09-06 00:32, Ed P wrote:

On 9/5/2026 4:03 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-05 05:30, Snag wrote:

My utility emails me a monthly summary saying that I have spent so
much on the fridge, so much on laundry, heating, etc. It is all
fake, because of course they have no actual idea of what I am
spending my electricity on. They can guess based on stats, that's all. >>>>>

I get these too but only with daily usages and comparison to last
year. Yours does sound like guesses.

-a-a You might be surprised , if he's got "smart" appliances they may
very well be reporting "home" .

I haven't.

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

Oh, I did. Different gadget, though.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/5/2026 4:03 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-05 05:30, Snag wrote:

My utility emails me a monthly summary saying that I have spent so
much on the fridge, so much on laundry, heating, etc. It is all
fake, because of course they have no actual idea of what I am
spending my electricity on. They can guess based on stats, that's all. >>>>

I get these too but only with daily usages and comparison to last
year. Yours does sound like guesses.

aa You might be surprised , if he's got "smart" appliances they may
very well be reporting "home" .

I haven't.

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9/9/2026 2:08 AM, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

Have you done the math? How many hours has your refrigerator actually
run? Of course you timed it and know what portion is in your electric
bill last month. How long has your microwave run? Nameplate does not
tell you that.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 2026-09-09 08:08, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/5/2026 4:03 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-05 05:30, Snag wrote:

My utility emails me a monthly summary saying that I have spent so >>>>>> much on the fridge, so much on laundry, heating, etc. It is all
fake, because of course they have no actual idea of what I am
spending my electricity on. They can guess based on stats, that's all. >>>>>>

I get these too but only with daily usages and comparison to last
year. Yours does sound like guesses.

-a-a You might be surprised , if he's got "smart" appliances they may >>>> very well be reporting "home" .

I haven't.

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

It can vary. For example, on a AC/ heat pump, mine tells the maximum
power; it is inverter type, so most of the time it is idling and just
using 200..300W. And I know it because I measured it.

Similarly, you can measure the usage of a fridge over a month, which is instructive.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9 Sep 2026 at 07:08:44 BST, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/5/2026 4:03 PM, Carlos E.R. wrote:

On 2026-09-05 05:30, Snag wrote:

My utility emails me a monthly summary saying that I have spent so >>>>>> much on the fridge, so much on laundry, heating, etc. It is all
fake, because of course they have no actual idea of what I am
spending my electricity on. They can guess based on stats, that's all. >>>>>>

I get these too but only with daily usages and comparison to last
year. Yours does sound like guesses.

You might be surprised , if he's got "smart" appliances they may
very well be reporting "home" .

I haven't.

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

Appliances cycle power use, depending on for example temperature, insulation, settings, and the design of the device. Energy consumption for the same device can vary enormously, depending on how it's used.

I moved a freezer from the kitchen to an unheated basement room. Saved about 70kW/hrs over a year.
--
Cheers, Rob
Sheffield, UK
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/9/2026 2:08 AM, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

Have you done the math?

What math?

How many hours has your refrigerator actually
run? Of course you timed it and know what portion is in your electric
bill last month.

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

How long has your microwave run? Nameplate does not
tell you that.

The killatwatter isn't going to tell you how long your
microwave runs either; that varies from day to day. So
whether you go by that, or nameplate power consumption, your
long term power use is all based on an estimate of usage
anyway.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 2026-09-09 16:46, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/9/2026 2:08 AM, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf >>>

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

Have you done the math?

What math?

How many hours has your refrigerator actually
run? Of course you timed it and know what portion is in your electric
bill last month.

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

It does vary, depends on room temperature and how many times the door is opened, how long it is kept open, and what stuff is put inside each time.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

Nothing, of course. Just measure the actual use. You measure it for a
month, or better a year, and that will be definite.

How long has your microwave run? Nameplate does not
tell you that.

The killatwatter isn't going to tell you how long your
microwave runs either; that varies from day to day. So
whether you go by that, or nameplate power consumption, your
long term power use is all based on an estimate of usage
anyway.

--
Cheers, Carlos.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9 Sep 2026 at 18:58:16 BST, "Carlos E.R." wrote:

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

It does vary, depends on room temperature and how many times the door is opened, how long it is kept open, and what stuff is put inside each time.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

Nothing, of course. Just measure the actual use. You measure it for a
month, or better a year, and that will be definite.

If it's grossly inefficient, invest in a new fridge?
--
Cheers, Rob
Sheffield, UK
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 2026-09-09 20:23, RJH wrote:

On 9 Sep 2026 at 18:58:16 BST, "Carlos E.R." wrote:

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

It does vary, depends on room temperature and how many times the door is
opened, how long it is kept open, and what stuff is put inside each time.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

Nothing, of course. Just measure the actual use. You measure it for a
month, or better a year, and that will be definite.

If it's grossly inefficient, invest in a new fridge?

Possibly. Mine is relatively new, so not an issue.
--
Cheers, Carlos.
ESEfc-Efc+, EUEfc-Efc|;
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9/9/2026 10:46 AM, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

On 9/9/2026 2:08 AM, Roger Rhino wrote:

Ed P <esp@snet.n> wrote:

And if I get them, I want them to report directly to me, not to the
utility.

Get a Kill A Watt meter or two and check out each appliance.

https://www.energytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/killawatt_br.pdf >>>

I don't get the point of that. It's not a mystery how much
power each appliance uses, it's on the nameplate or on the
box or in the manual.

The pamphlet has some incorrect or misleading info,
especially the stuff on "phantom power".

Have you done the math?

What math?

How many hours has your refrigerator actually
run? Of course you timed it and know what portion is in your electric
bill last month.

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

OK, sorry this is too complex for you. Yes, there are things you can do
to reduce energy use of your refrigerator. Some are rather simple. >

How long has your microwave run? Nameplate does not
tell you that.

The killatwatter isn't going to tell you how long your
microwave runs either; that varies from day to day.

yes, it will. Exactly why it is informative and can spot trends.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2

From Newsgroup: alt.home.repair

On 9/9/2026 2:23 PM, RJH wrote:

On 9 Sep 2026 at 18:58:16 BST, "Carlos E.R." wrote:

A refrigerator's power cycle is at least consistent, and it
won't vary from day to day, so you could get a good long term
estimate of how much energy it uses.

It does vary, depends on room temperature and how many times the door is
opened, how long it is kept open, and what stuff is put inside each time.

But having done that, what are you going to do about it?
Unplug the fridge when you go to bed?

Nothing, of course. Just measure the actual use. You measure it for a
month, or better a year, and that will be definite.

If it's grossly inefficient, invest in a new fridge?

Just as with any expensive appliance that may be less efficient that
current models, calculate the estimated cost savings of the new unit vs. continued use of the inefficient one to help make your decision. Of
course, if the old is dangerous or failing, that's a different story.
--- Synchronet 3.22a-Linux NewsLink 1.2