Energy Facts
The Electric Power Research Institute recently conducted a Residential Electricity Use Feedback study. Part of the study focused on residential electricity monitors, estimating that they resulted in energy savings of 8-25%.
Another study, conducted by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) showed devices can save up to 20%.
In addition, an independent Oxford University study in 2006 found that people getting direct feedback on their power consumption reduced their electricity use by 5% to 15%.
We have found these studies to be true based on our own customer surveys and feedback.
Based on the dollar amount of average utility bills in the U.S. ($95.66 per month according to the Energy Information Agency (EAI)) and the price of our product (the 1000 series starts at $119.95 and the 5000 series starts at $199.95), we say it pays for itself within a year.
According to the EAI information, the average yearly electricity bill is $1,147.92. If a user saves just 20% off their electricity bill, they have saved $229.59, which will cover the price of the basic unit of TED in both the 1000 and 5000 series.
We’ve had several customers who have found that it pays for itself within just a few months. Some customers have extremely high electricity bills and make drastic changes, resulting in them saving literally hundreds of dollars per year.
The Problem: Our communities and neighborhoods are under pressure. In order to keep up with our increasing demand for electricity (and to minimize or eliminate rolling black-outs/brown-outs), utility companies across the country are having to increase infrastructure and build new power plants. In addition to the huge capital investment and permitting concerns, this increase in usage has placed significant pressure and demands on the environment. The Solution There is no quick fix for the energy consumption problem. But, each one of us can impact and improve the situation by finding ways to conserve energy in our own lives and community. How can TED help? While many consumers are interested in protecting the environment, most lack the tools necessary to take effective measure to save energy. That's where TED comes in! Because it continuously (and accurately!) measures the electricity consumption of your entire home, TED can help you conserve energy and help your neighbors. With the installation of TED, you can immediately begin monitoring and controlling your energy consumption - which will also save money! Other ways to improve There are many ways to conserve electricity, but here is a list of cool, hot tips that are simple and effective.
- Turn the lights off whenever you leave a room. Yes, even the fluorescent ones.
- Put in compact fluorescent bulbs. They have improved tremendously in recent years!
- Rather than leaving the outside lights on at night, replace them with a motion-sensing light.
- Let your dishes air-dry. Don't run your dishwasher drying cycle.
- Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
- Plug the components of your entertainment center into a power strip; turn the power strip off when you are not using your home electronics.
- Turn off your computer at night...do not put it in the 'sleep mode'...turn it OFF.
- Put in a programmable thermostat and set your temperature for a comfortable setting.
- Keep windows and doors closed, and only open them when you have to.
- Take a brief shower instead of a soaking bath.
- During the summer months, close your blinds and/or curtains during the day and open them at night. In the winter, do the opposite.
- Only wash full loads of laundry - and dirty dishes! Half-loads cost just as much as a full-load.
- Turn the air conditioner up several degrees at night...better still, turn it off.
- Set the thermostat to the maximum comfortable temperature during the day.
- Instead of turning on your air conditioner, use a fan.
- Lower the temperature of your hot water heater to 120°F -125°F.
- If you are shopping for new appliances, be sure to check out Energy Star products - they have been designed to meet EPA efficiency guidelines.
