Posted by Lending Club :: April 18, 2009 @ 6:12 am

I recently described how Google was helping to raise customer awareness of energy use. While Google’s program allows you to see summarized data of all energy use, you can also use a standalone energy monitor to measure individual electronic devices.

Energy monitors are plugged into a standard outlet and then measure the energy used by the device plugged into the monitor. Less expensive models report the kilowatt-hours used by the device; you can multiply the kilowatt-hours by the cost per KWh reported in your electric bill to determine the cost of powering that device. More expensive models let you enter your cost per KWh and then report the cost directly.

In its March issue, Consumer Reports reviewed two energy monitors: the Kill A Watt P4400 and Watts Up. Both were found to be accurate, and the Kill A Watt P4400 sells for about $22 on Amazon. You’ll have to calculate costs yourself with the Kill A Watt P4400, but it costs significantly less than the Watts Up, which automatically calculates your cost.

Using an energy monitor, you can measure related electronics, such as your computer, monitor, and speakers by plugging them all into a power strip and then plugging the strip into the energy monitor. You may decide to monitor both the active cost of a device as well as the cost when that device is placed into standby mode.

Knowing how different devices in your home contribute to your energy costs will help you make smarter decisions about device use. You may decide to unplug many devices when not in use rather than leave them in standby mode. Awareness of the energy cost of using a device will also allow you to adjust your use, either by using the device less or trying to use it when peak demand from other customers is at a lower level.

Have you tried using an energy monitor?