Quote:
Originally Posted by Win73
That is a useless idea. The current drawn by even a 100 watt bulb is inconsequintal when compared to the current drawn by your HVAC system as it heats or cools your house whether you or home or not, or by your water heater if it is electric. Also there are all the electronics that we keep plugged in and on such as computers, TV's, stereo systems, clocks, microwaves, etc.
Besides, the power company doesn't care whether you are home or not and can't tell if you are or aren't. (I'm an engineer with a power company. We just want you to keep using those kilowatt hours and send us your check each month. After all someone has to pay my exorbitant salary. Although come bill paying time it doesn't seem so exorbitant!)
|
Yes, the current drawn by a 100 watt bulb is only a bit under one amp, and is inconsequential. Unless someone IS trying to see if we are home or not by viewing our electrical usage, which is the concern expressed here.
I don't think many of us go away and leave the A/C, stereo, TV, computer and microwave running. Modern well-insulated water heaters rarely start when no one is using hot water.
Personally, I am not worried about the power company determining if I am home or not by viewing my electrical usage. Shoot, these meters are a PERFECT way for them to determine INSTANTLY the exact time and extent of any power outage, yet they do nothing until someone phones in to tell them - -
I have an image of a service area map on the computer screen, with a little green dot for every meter that is transmitting which changes to a red dot when it is not transmitting. Overlay of feed lines, and the EXACT point of break is determined to within a few feet.
Hey, earn that exorbitant sallary and set that up, will you?
Meanwhile -
