Comments on: Celebrate the Climate: Look for Energy Star, the Gift that Keeps on Giving

By: Cyril R.

Cyril R. — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:59:29 +0000

And keep in mind that saving electricity from turbines is 2-3x better than energy in production if the energy in production is thermal (eg by natural gas heaters). You have to include exergy in life cycle analysis as well.

By: Cyril R.

Cyril R. — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:57:29 +0000

Actually, energy star does include some rather strict life cycle analysis, not just direct electric use.

By: Bob Wallace

Bob Wallace — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:41:27 +0000

I’m off the grid. When I set up my first system in the mid-90s I found the most efficient (lowest draw) refer that I could buy was a 9 cu ft Sanyo that was rated at a bit over 1kWh per day. And it was not self-defrosting nor did it keep ice cream frozen hard.

When I set up my second system ten years later I was able to find an 18 cu ft Kenmore (via Energy Star) that was rated at 1.2kWh per day. It’s self-defrosting and keeps frozen stuff nicely frozen.

I’ve measured its draw over extended periods of time and found that it rarely pulls an average of 1.2 kWh, only during periods of very hot weather. I’d say that the Energy Star rating was a bit on the conservative side, which is a good thing.

Refers have definitely improved and Energy Star is a pretty good way to find the best. Hopefully we will see that program improved over the next couple of years.

By: Rick C

Rick C — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:20:59 +0000

I changed out my refrigerator over a year ago at Sears and I made the extra effort to make sure it was Star Energy Compliant. I was really shocked how little power it used. Most times it pulls only 10 watts. When the compressor is running it goes up to around 100 watts. Most of the time it runs at 10 watts.

By: Bob Wallace

Bob Wallace — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:54:38 +0000

Well, interesting C&P.

Stupid summary statement.

If one wants to buy a new refer, a new AC, a new dryer then Energy Star can give one an idea of which model is going to eat more power year after year.

Could/should the Energy Star program be expanded to include the relative amount of energy that went into the production of the product?

Perhaps. But do realize that to some extent that production energy consumption cost is reflected in the unit price.

By: alex

alex — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:52:02 +0000

Bob, I just wonder why I bothered to swap all my nive attractive halogen spots in the kitchen for nasty CFL’s when people actually HEAT their entire houses with electricity. No, I don’t have a heated swimming pool. I don’t even use the bath – showers use far less water and energy.

Yes, I live in a moderate climate. Personally I think it is a mistake expecting to build cities in parched, equalorial desert regions, but tell that to the owner of the Flamingo.

‘Normal’ seems to mean different things to different people when it comes to energy consumption.

By: Neven

Neven — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:59:12 +0000

‘The production of a computer is more energy-intensive due to its high-tech nature; extensive processing is required to create its complex components. The combined high-energy intensity and short life span raises a computer’s lifetime energy impact to that of a refrigerator. But 96% of a refrigerator’s lifetime fossil fuel consumption occurs during its use phase. For a computer, the situation is reversed: 25% occurs during use, while 75% occurs during production. So while its most important for appliances like a fridge to reduce energy use over the use phase, for computers, the best green strategy is to reduce energy in production and increase its useful life.’

http://ecopcreview.com/LCA_and_ECPR?page=0%2C1

Energy Star is a joke.

By: Bob Wallace

Bob Wallace — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:59:58 +0000

You live somewhere that “likes” the AC on for half the year? Or heat with electricity? Have a heated pool?

If you’re thinking in pounds then you’re most likely living in a moderate climate.

By: alex

alex — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:02:43 +0000

I just read this article on CNN about a domestic smart meter:

http://money.cnn.com/ 2008/ 11/ 14/ technology/ woody_house.fortune/ index.htm?postversion=2008111910

I was a bit stunned at the monthly bill of $367. Ours is running at about £45 ($67) a month. Is $367 a month normal in the US?

By: Donald B

Donald B — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:11:47 +0000

Actually, the game machine manufacturers are just being made aware that others are aware of this problem!