California regulates 'energy vampire' appliances

Bakersfield Californian ^ | 12/15/04 | Don Thompson - AP

[Melas]

Unless you're actually spinning it down, it's always spinning, not just when the light is on. The light is on when it's actually reading or writing, but the platters always spin. XP is still semi-buggy with spinning the platters down, causing the occasional crash. For that matter, the rest of XP's power management routines are buggy as well.

[B4Ranch]

rather than building new power plants........

[B4Ranch]

Section 666 of the Mandatory Conservation Act of 2006 prohibits Christmas lights too!

[Once-Ler]

Hey you should get some of those light switch sensors that detect when you enter / leave the room and turn the lights on / off accordingly. It would save you some money on your utility bill.

Do I have to plug them into a socket?

[B4Ranch]

>>My payback is a more robust system that doesn't continually wipe out batteries. <<

Have you heard about the gel-batteries?

[Jaysun]

Do I have to plug them into a socket?

No, the ones I have replaced my regular light switches. While they can be turned on and off manually, they also detect motion and turn the lights on as you enter, off as you leave. Really remarkable, and I haven't had them turn off before I leave the room either. You can purchase them at Lowe's.

[Freedom4US]

"There goes the world's fifth largest economy..."

Somebody needs to look up the figures.. I don't know, but am willing to bet, that at one time (as late as the 70's, say) California was a net energy producer via either coal, oil, gas or nuclear, etc. They were largely conservative too, but that's another topic. As an aside, energy de-regulation has been one large scam foisted on the American people. Local energy companies were safe investments and provided steady dividends to our retired folks. Why should locals be subject to the whims of out of state speculators? Bahstahds.

[Once-Ler]

Thanx for the info.

[Don W]

A "top loader" literally BEATS the load through the washing solution (water soap and bleach if added).

A front loader, "tumbles" (drops, for those in Rio Linda) the laundry through the washing solution (water and soap and bleach, again, for those in Rio Linda).

This is FAR easier on the fabric, and far cheaper to utilize in that far less water (hot or cold) is needed for the same load of laundry.

BTW, did ANYONE here know that the "COLD" rating used by detergent mfr's actually means using the "WARM" cycle on your washer, unless your cold water is over 50 degrees ?

[Jaysun]

This is somewhat off of the subject, but since you guys are talking about thrift and conservation, may I suggest that you consider using a straight razor? They still make some fine ones and they aren't that expensive. I've been using one for several years now and it's nice to not have to shell out $10 to buy "Mach 3" razor replacements.

I also save bits and pieces of money on other little things and the total savings amounts to about $80 per month. I've been socking away that $80 every month for 2 years and plan to continue for at least another 30. By then it'll be a handsome sum.

[dennisw]

California can't balance it's budget worth a damn but always has time time to noodle around with these pie in the sky feel good projects. BTW buying all these slick new appliances and gadgets increases our trade deficit since most come from Asia. (China)

[Don W]

I personally use a Gilette "ATRA" razor and find it quite adequate to its task, though refills for same are becoming somewhat difficult to find.

And to think that we all laughed at the SNL skit that parodied the 3 bladed shaving tool.........

[dennisw]

Reveal light bulbs can be found on and off at Wal Mart and Home Depot. Lowe's too maybe. $2.50 for 4.

I'm using one right now in my computer room.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[Jaysun]

I personally use a Gilette "ATRA" razor and find it quite adequate to its task, though refills for same are becoming somewhat difficult to find.

Seriously Don, consider the straight razor. It's also adequate for the task - I would argue that it's superior once you're used to it. Plus, it has the added benefit of being sexy to women. There's something about seeing me pull a razor sharp knife down my throat that really turns my wife on - strange isn't it?

[Once-Ler]

I also save bits and pieces of money on other little things and the total savings amounts to about $80 per month. I've been socking away that $80 every month for 2 years and plan to continue for at least another 30. By then it'll be a handsome sum.

There is nothing wrong with frugality but I suspect you shave more often than I do. I don't think my razor budget is anywhere near substantial.

[Straight Vermonter]

Ever drive through a city at night and wonder why all of those empty office buildings have every light turned on?

[Jaysun]

There is nothing wrong with frugality but I suspect you shave more often than I do. I don't think my razor budget is anywhere near substantial.

It's not a huge amount of money, but I've always tried to squeeze out financial savings where I can. Even a small amount becomes substantial over time. My $80 per month will be more than $80,000 when I get ready to use it if I can average 6% interest.

[R. Scott]

I already unplug chargers when not in use. I had the learning experience of a small fire when one overheated. My Computer, TV and stereo are plugged into outlets that are controlled by a wall switch. When not in use the outlets are dead.
When I leave the room I turn out the lights – and everything else in the room.
I’m not in favor of more government regulation, but do favor public education – now if the public can differentiate between “education” and “BS” a lot of problems will be solved.

[R. Scott]

Then all the people will move out and they will save even more energy.

Hopefully not to Virginia.