Posted by: "OOWONBS@Netscape.net"
> 2 brands, one 600 watts and one 650...
> The 600w MIGHT be more efficient, and ALSO remove more water.
> It is likely it will cost more.
Hi Bill;
It has been my experience, checking efficiencies and prices
of ACs, heat pumps, computers, and refrigerators, that quite
consistently Energy Star and ever "30% better than Energy Star"
(an actual classification) models do not cost more than less
efficient models, and with tax credits and rebates may cost
significantly less). The energy usage difference can be
significant, often very large.
> But if a 500 w and a 700w, while likely a 700 will be more
> efficient, it may or may not be so...
That is right. The efficiency must be checked and not
assumed, based on the size of the units, or either the
work they do, or the energy they use. The only way to
know the efficiency is to look at the ratio between
those two factors. We are in a unique time, due
to Energy Star (which has turned out to be a really
good government program) where it is possible to get
very energy efficient appliances for virtually the
same price as ones that unnecessarily waste energy
and our money. But, it does require that the
consumer be aware, and look at the energy inform-
-ation on the products. It also helps to under-
-stand the conditions that the information is
based on. For instance, since they rate refrig-
-erators by placing them inside of a 90F test
box, the energy cost estimates on the yellow
tags are much greater than many people will
experience under their household conditions.
My refrigerator uses 60% less energy than
it yellow tag said that it would. The few
others I know, who have the same fridge,
are having the same experience. After the
Energy Star rebate, my "30% better than
Energy Star" 16.6cuft fridge cost me
only about $250
> The 700, in THIS example, uses 7/6s as much electricity.
> Both run the same amount of time. If the 600 is adequate,
> *all else being equal,* or nearly, get the 600. If the 600 is
> hugely less efficient, it's a bad deal. It will run far longer
> to do the same water removal. Take paper and pen to this
> job.
It is a lot easier for consumers to simply limit
their search to Energy Star models, and to look
at their energy efficiency and relative energy
cost numbers. These numbers are set up to be
very consumer friendly. And, since Energy Star
products usually cost about the same as energy
wasteful ones, it is usually not necessary to
do any calculations, unless (like me) you just
find that sort of things, to be fun ;O)
> Maybe report the numbers here, and we can give
> a better opinion. It's hard to describe the better,
> of two invisible things. ;>)
Most definitely. That is why I included a link
to the listing of all Energy Star dehumidifiers
available. But, that list can never include
the prices from individual sellers, which can
be a determining factor. However, the message
that I want to get across is that there are
models that will save money due to their
higher level of energy efficiency. Virtually
all of those models will be labeled "Energy
Star" and generally cost about the same as
non-Energy Star models. There are now a lot
of them on the market. So, only shop for
"Energy Star" models. That will make the
process simpler, and can save you money.
Since the Energy Star numbers are also
stated in cost per year, it is easy to
calculate payback periods, if the more
efficient model happens to cost a little
more, or just how much it will save
i energy and money.
-Laren Corie-
Natural Solar Building Design
and Consultation, Since 1975
www.ThermalAttic.com
Read my Solar house design articles in:
-Energy Self-Sufficiency Newsletter-
www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html
Home base-LittleHouses YahooGroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LittleHouses/
Founder-WoodGas - Power from wood
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WoodGas
Founder-RefrigeratorAlternatives YahooGroup
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RefrigeratorAlternatives
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